Anniversary of Sihanouk's Return to Be Honored

Prime Minister Hun Sen has ordered all governmental institution across the country to arrange public gatherings and displays in honor of the 20^th anniversary of the return from exile of retired king Norodom Sihanouk. According to a directive dated august from the prime minister, ceremonies are to be held across the country on Oct 31, the King's birthday, when he will turn 90 years old. "The retired King's 90^th birthday and the 20^th anniversary of the homecoming of his majesty the Kin Father and King Mother, as well as November 9th's National Independence Day, are good reasons to arrange a ceremony that will provide interest to the whole nation, "the directive said. Then-Prince Norodom Sihanouk returned to Cambodia on Nov14, 1991, following the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement on Oct 23 of that year. The retired King had lived in exile from Cambodia since leaving the country on Jan 6, 1975, when Vietnamese forces stormed Phnom Penh to topple the Khmer Rouge regime. The Paris Peace agreement ended an international boycott imposed on Cambodia due to the presence of Vietnamese forces in the country. During the celebrations on Oct 31, every government institution must display the national flag, a photograph of Norodom Sihanouk, and a slogan coined by the retired king. They must also arrange gatherings to honor him. A photographic exhibition dedicated to the retired King will be held at Phnom Penh's Veal Mean, the ceremonial field in front of the National Museum, until Nov11