Cambodian King to preside over inauguration of National Assembly

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni is scheduled to preside over the inauguration ceremony of the National Assembly on Sept. 24, local newspaper the Mekong Times reported Monday. Senior Cambodian People's Party (CPP) official Nguon Nhil said that the King's chairmanship of the first session of the fourth National Assembly would "greatly honor" the legislative body. Opposition officials agreed the King's presence is imperative, particularly as the nation's opposition has warned it may boycott the inauguration. "The King's presence always stabilizes (problematic) national situations, and citizens and political parties always respect and want the King to be here. The King's presence is definitely important because he is a symbol of national peace and stability," Kong Kom, Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) Deputy President, was quoted as saying... [read full story]