In an apparent slight to his former political rival, Hun Sen said at least one party to cease-fire talks 20 years ago was nothing but a "recorder"

On Cease-Fire Anniversary, Hun Sen Blasts 'Recorder'
By Chiep Mony, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
03 December 2007


In an apparent slight to his former political rival, Prime Minster Hun
Sen said Monday at least one party to cease-fire talks 20 years ago
was nothing but a "recorder" who wanted to elevate himself to status
of prime minister.

Following the talks in December 1987, Cambodia began to democratize,
which lead after violence and posturing to a co-premiership between
Hun Sen and Prince Norodom Ranariddh. This led to a coup d'etat, in
1997, through which Hun Sen and the Cambodian People's Party seized
political control.

Prince Ranariddh is the head of his own political party as national
elections approach.

Koul Panha, director of the monitor group Comfrel, said Monday Hun Sen
may have been referring to Prince Ranariddh, but such references would
not affect the prince's political popularity.

During the 1987 peace talks, between Hun Sen and then king Norodom
Sihanouk, "someone was just a recorder at the place, and he wants to
boost his rank up to Hun Sen's rank, replacing the duties of the
Father," Hun Sen said.

The talks helped lead to the eventual signing of the Paris Peace
Accords, on Oct. 23, 1991, but not because of the "someone," Hun Sen
said of his unnamed opponent. "Don't boast of yourself as the Father."
.