Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 25 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that Cambodia, once a land of peace, fell into the geopolitical conflict of the Cold War 54 years ago, speaking on Monday (Nov. 25) during the opening of the Siem Reap-Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World in Siem Reap province.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reflected on Cambodia's rich heritage, exemplified by landmarks like Angkor Wat, alongside its tragic history marked by heavy bombings, genocide, and decades of civil war. He noted the immense human toll, with millions of lives lost, and the enduring danger posed by landmines and explosive remnants scattered across thousands of square kilometres.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that while Cambodia achieved complete peace in 1998, the lingering presence of landmines remains a grave threat to human life and a significant obstacle to post-war reconstruction. He noted that the Cambodian people still struggle to live normal lives as landmines continue to devastate the land, undermining efforts to rebuild the nation.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Hun Manet highlighted that landmines not only deter investors and tourists, symbolized by the ominous red "beware of mines" signs, but also deeply impact the spirit and psyche of the Cambodian people. He explained that living amid landmines has made it difficult for many to fully embrace peace or envision a hopeful future. The physical and psychological scars left by landmines serve as daily reminders of past horrors.

Samdech Thipadei also acknowledged that Cambodia’s significant achievements in demining would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the international community.
=FRESH NEWS