Phnom Penh, Nov 9 – Cambodia on Saturday celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence with a call for national unity, Xinhua news agency reported.
Around 20,000 people took part in the celebration held under the auspices of King Norodom Sihamoni with those present including National Assembly’s President Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen and Senate’s 1st Vice-President Say Chhum.
At the Independence Monument, the King laid a wreath and lit a torch which will be kept burning for three days.
The King together with other leaders and dignitaries then proceeded to the Royal Palace where the main ceremony was held with a live broadcast on all TV channels.
Cambodia gained full independence from France on Nov 9, 1953 after remaining a protectorate for 90 years.
“The celebration today is to express deep gratitude to the country’s late King Father Norodom Sihanouk who had conducted a royal crusade to demand independence from French protectorate,” King Sihamoni said in his speech.
“I would like to call on all Cambodians to be united under the constitution and state laws in helping to build the nation in all domains especially the economy.”
Prime Minister Hun Sen said Cambodians have never forgotten the sacrifices made by late King Father Norodom Sihanouk for the cause of national independence and territorial integrity.
“We have never forgotten his sacrifice for the country’s independence and his royal crusade was inscribed in the historical page of Cambodia forever,” he said.
Firework displays will be held over Tonle Sap River in front of the Royal Palace on Saturday and Monday evenings as part of the celebration
– Bernama
