No guns, outdoor eating in ASEAN summit

No guns, outdoor eating in ASEAN summit

CAMBODIA: The Cambodian government is to launch a crackdown on the carrying of guns and ban outdoor eating ahead of the upcoming ASEAN summit, officials said on Thursday.

Chief of cabinet for Phnom Penh municipality, Man Chheoun, said authorities intended to enforce a strict prohibition on the carrying of short and long firearms before and during the ASEAN Summit.

A formal request was expected to be made to Cambodia's Interior Ministry from Phnom Penh governor Chea Sophara and include a request to clear sidewalks of restaurant tables and chairs.

There is no shortage of guns in Cambodia, a legacy of nearly three decades of war which ended in 1998. This combined with a culture of impunity has allowed the gun trade to flourish.

ASEAN will hold its annual summit in Cambodia for the first time this November. --AFP