Cambodia's gloomy future

Up to now, it is still not clear in which direction developments in Cambodia are apt to go. Perhaps it is because of this that Second Prime Minister Hun Sen and First Prime Minister Ung Huot's visit to Beijing to ask for King Norodom Sihanouk's blessing has been an interesting political drama to follow.

All hope seems gone for Ranariddh to regain his position as Cambodia's First Prime Minister. In a chain of rapid developments, Hun Sen launched a high-level political maneuver by appointing former Foreign Minister Ung Huot to replace Ranariddh.

Hun Sen's present political maneuvering is interesting to watch. His visit to Beijing to see King Sihanouk constitutes an interesting political move that is worth close observation. According to the country's constitution, the nomination of a prime minister will be considered legal if it has the king's blessing. Initially, it was reported that Sihanouk had given his blessing to Ung Huot's appointment. Now, however, it seems that Sihanouk is still withholding his support.

Hun Sen's visit to Beijing also conveys a complicated psychological aspect of the problem. It is interesting that Hun Sen is willing to travel to Beijing to see Sihanouk and ask the king for his blessing. After all, isn't Sihanouk the father of Prince Ranariddh, who Hun Sen had so unceremoniously removed from his position?

The present political unrest in Cambodia once again presents us with the prospect of a gloomy future for that nation. Observers everywhere are following the political turmoil in Cambodia with apprehension. A dark shadow has once again fallen on Cambodia. We hope, however, that the Cambodians will be able to pass this present test and never again fall into political chaos.

-- Kompas, Jakarta