Phnom Penh (FN), Sept. 4 - Prime Minister Hun Sen said that he does not hate American people, but he hated any Americans who sent troops to invade Cambodia, addressing at the repatriation of Cambodian delegates and athletes who returned from the 18th Asian Games 2018 at the Peace Palace on Monday evening.

The remarks came after some critics said the premier would not welcome Cambodian-American female athlete Khan Jessa who won the gold medal at the Asian Games, for he hated Americans.

"I don’t hate American citizen; I hate those who sent troops to Cambodia and tried to topple the government of Cambodia,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen.

“During the 1970s, former US President Nixon ordered the bombing of Cambodia that destroyed this nation to nil […] and Kissenger…,” he said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen added that he does not hate the US; his two sons were all graduated from the United States.

“The first Cambodian to enter United States Military Academy West Point was Hun Sen’s son,” the premier said adding that the US also taught Hun Many National Defense course at the Pentagon.

Cambodian athletes brought home two gold medals and one bronze. Of the 13 games Cambodian participated, Cambodian-American female athlete Khan Jessa won one medal in Jujutsu game - a Japanese martial art using close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent; and Saly Ou Moeut won another gold medal in Ski Modified game and one bronze in Jet Skiing Runabout 1100 Stock.

The 2018 Asian Games, held from 18 August-2 September, was hosted by Indonesia for the second time since 1962, with around 10,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competing in 40 sports, making the second-largest program in Asian Games history.
=FRESH NEWS