1980 Until Present

1980 Chronology of Cambodian History

Jan. 1980

Foreign ministers of the three Indochina countries, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, met in Phnom Penh to announce a unified stand on Cambodian problems and other international issues.

Jan. 2, 1980

The UN World Food Program announced that it would not ship more food to Cambodia during Jan. citing a backlog of undistributed food that had built up at the port of Kompong Som and Phnom Penh.

Jan. 4-6, 1980

Khmer Rouge fighters took control of a large refugee camp near the Thai border after three days of fighting. The camp that houses an estimated 200,000 refugees was controlled by the Khmer Serei rebel.

Jan. 20, 1980

International emergency aid shipments to Cambodian refugees in eastern Thailand were resumed following their suspension on Jan. 10. Trucks carrying rice and other supplies had been halted after Thai civilians and Cambodian guerrillas looted food convoys.

Jan. 31, 1980

US Sen. Levin introduces S.CON.RES.72

Feb. 5, 1980

The PRK and the USSR signed in Moscow a Protocol on the establishment of the Soviet Trade Mission in Cambodia.
Feb. 6, 1980

About 150 celebrities, politicians, and charity workers from Europe and North America gathered at Thai border town of Aranyaprathet for “March for Survival of Cambodia”. Organizers said the March aim at drawing attention to conditions in Cambodia, and it would be proceed although it has been condemned by the Phnom Penh govt. as interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs.

Feb. 10, 1980

James Grant, executive director of UNICEF who made a weeklong visit to Cambodia, announced that an international relief effort had prevented a disaster in Cambodia at least for the next few months. He said thousands of tons of food and medicine piled up in warehouses were finally reaching the countryside.

Feb. 16, 1980

The PRK and Czechoslovakia signed in Phnom Penh an agreement on co-operation in the field of public health and medical science.

Feb. 22, 1980

In a news conference in Washington, Prince Sihanouk said he came to America to seek support for a new armed insurgency in Cambodia, and said neither the ousted Pol Pot’s nor the current Phnom Penh’s govt. can legitimately represent Cambodia since Pol Pot’s had been completely rejected by the people, who are the victim of their genocide, and Phnom Penh’s govt. just a puppet of Vietnam.

Feb. 26, 1980

US House of Rep. pass a resolution S.CON.RES.72 expressing the sense of Congress that the US Pres. should request the UN to establish an international presence in the Cambodian refugee camps on the Thai-Cambodian border to promote security and oversee the distribution of food.

March 18, 1980

A 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation was signed in Berlin between the PRK and German Democratic Republic (East German).

March 27, 1980

US Rep. Heckler introduces H.CON.RES.310

May 7, 1980

US Rep. Wolf introduces H.CON.RES.329

June 10, 1980

A rebel group attacked a crowded passenger train, killing at least 150 people and wounding more than 200 others.

June 23, 1980

Vietnamese troops in Cambodia crossed the border in Thailand and clashed with Thai troops, killing more than 30 Thai soldiers and wounding some 100 others. Vietnamese was reported to stay in Thai territory for about 10 hours.

June 25, 1980

China warned Vietnam to halt its raids into Thailand. A Foreign Ministry statement said Peking would resolutely support Thailand’s efforts to defend its sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Edmund Muskie denounced Vietnam’s actions, saying Hanoi threatened the peace, security and stability of the entire region.

July 5, 1980

The US began airlifting arms to Thailand in an effort to enhance Thai military stationed along the Thai-Cambodian border. The airlift began soon following repeated incursions into Thailand by Vietnamese forces in Cambodia. The Soviet Union denounced the airlift, saying it would only aggravate tensions in Southeast Asia.

Oct. 13, 1980

Khmer Rouge kept UN seat. The UN General Assembly voted, 74 to 35 with 32 abstentions, to defeat a motion to remove the Khmer Rouge’s representative from the UN. The Assembly had defeated a similar move in 1979.

Oct. 22, 1980

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/35/6 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.

Nov. 5, 1980

The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objections to the signatures by DK on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, “The Govt. of the Mongolian People’s Republic considers that only the People’s Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea as the sole authentic and lawful representative of the Kampuchean people has the right to assume international obligation on behalf of the Kampuchean people.”

Nov. 19, 1980

The People’s Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea and Czechoslovakia signed in Prague the Agreement on Cultural Co-operation between the two countries.

Nov. 25, 1980

The PRK and Bulgaria singed in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, a 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation.

Dec. 11, 1980

The Govt. of German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the signature by DK govt. on International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, “The signing of the above-said convention on behalf of the so-called Govt. of DK, a criminal clique of stooges which was overthrown by the people of Kampuchea, in the opinion of the German Democratic Republic is unlawful and, therefore, null and void.”  The GDR also, on same day, registered its objection to the DK’s signature on International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

1981 Chronology of Cambodian History

Jan. 19, 1981

The Govt. of Hungary registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by the DK on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, “The Hungarian People’s Republic recognizes the Kampuchean People’s Revolutionary Council as the sole legitimate representative of Kampuchean people…therefore refuse to acknowledge the right of the former genocidal Pol Pot regime to assume any international obligations on behalf of the Kampuchean people.”

Jan. 29, 1981

The Govt. of Bulgaria registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DK on the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, “The Govt. of the PRB, as a party to the above-mentioned instruments, cannot recognize as legally valid the signatures of the representative of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’.

Feb. 13, 1981

USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DK on International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, “Signature of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’ – the bloodthirsty Pol Pot-Ieng Sary clique, which has been overthrown by the Kampuchea people – is completely unlawful and has no legal force.”

Feb. 18, 1981

Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, “Signature of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’ – which is none other than the Pol Pot-Ieng Sary band of cutthroats that has been overthrown by the Kampuchean people – is completely unlawful and has no legal force.”

March 10, 1981

The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the signatures by DKon International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, “As a party to the above-mentioned instruments, the Govt. of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic cannot recognize the legal validity of the signatures of the above-mentioned international agreements on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’, since that infamous regime of Pol Pot and Ieng Sary had been overthrown by the Kampuchean people and no longer exists.”

March 21, 1981

Prince Sihanouk found FUNCINPEC (Front Uni National pour un Cambodge Independent, Neutre, Pacifique, et Cooperatif or National United Front for an Independent Neutral Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia), and its military arm ANS (Armee Nationale Sihanoukist or Sihanouk National Army).

May 1, 1981

General Election. PRK held elections for a 117-seat National Assembly.

June 27, 1981

New constitution (the country’s fourth since independent since 1953) was approved by the newly elected National Assembly to replace 1976 DK’s constitution. The Assembly also elected Council of State, with Heng Samrin as its Chairman (a post equivalent to the Head of State) and a Council of Ministers to replace the KPRC. Pen Sovan, the KPRP general secretary and Defense Minister, was appointed Prime Minister (06/27/81-12/05/81). Chan Sy replaced Sovan as Defense Minister.

July 1981

India announced its recognition of the PRK.

July 13-17, 1981

International Conference on Cambodia was held at UN Headquarters in New York.

July 28, 1981

The Govt. of DKdeposited its instrument of accession of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, which would go into effect from 27 August 1981.

Sept. 4, 1981

Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan issued a joint statement in Singapore concerning their agreement, in principle to form a coalition to fight against Vietnamese’s occupation of Cambodia.

Sept. 10, 1981

The Govt. of Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, “The accession to the above-mentioned international Convention on behalf of the so-called ‘Govt. of Kampuchea’ by the genocidal clique of Pol Pot-Ieng Sary-Khieu Samphan, which was overthrown on 7 Jan. 1979 by the Kampuchean people, is completely illegal and has no legal value.”

Sept. 14, 1981

German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, “The accession by the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’ to the international Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid is in the view of the GDR absolutely illegal and thus null and void.”

Oct. 21, 1981

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/36/5 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.

Nov. 9, 1981

DK registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by Viet Nam of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, “The Govt. of DK, as a party to the Convention.., considers that the signing of that Convention by the Govt. of the SRV has no legal force, because it is no more than a cynical, macabre masquerade intended to camouflage the foul crimes of genocide committed by the 250,000 soldiers of the Vietnamese invasion army in Kampuchea.”

Nov. 12, 1981

USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, “The sole authorized representative of the Kampuchean people in the international arena is the Govt. of the PRK.  The accession to the above-mentioned Convention by the genocidal regime…the Soviet side considers…to be illegal, and regards its accession as being devoid of legal force.

Nov. 19, 1981

Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK of the International Convention of the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.

Dec. 3, 1981

The Govt. of Hungary registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession by the DK to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.
Dec. 5, 1981

PRK PM Pen Sovan is removed from office; Defense Minister Chan Sy becomes acting PM to Feb. 9, 82.

Dec. 11, 1981

The PRK and Mongolia singed in Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, a 25-year Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation.

1982 Chronology of Cambodian History

Jan. 1, 1982

PRK sent Thailand a protest note regarding the sinking of Cambodian trawler off Koh Kong province a few days earlier.

Jan. 5, 1982

Khmer Rouge announced restructuring of its army, establishing formal military ranks.

The Govt. of Bulgaria registered, with the UN, its objections to the accession by the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.

Jan. 7, 1982

Thai govt. turned down the proposed visit by Prince Norodom Sihanouk as “not timely”.

PRK observed third anniversary of National Day, the day that Pol Pot was toppled in 1979, with parades, musical entertainment, speeches by PRKAF Chief of Staff Soy Keo and PRK Pres. Heng Samrin.

Jan. 9, 1982

KPRP issued directive on Party organization building including five points program to recruit more members, train cadres, develop effective Party structure and insure adherence to Party policy.

Jan. 11, 1982

East German defense minister, Heinz Hoffman, and delegates arrived Phnom Penh.  Military cooperation agreement was signed in which East German would undertake to build up PRKAF by training officers and developing air defense system.

Jan. 12, 1982

Son Sann called for stepping up of guerrilla warfare in Cambodia citing failures in pressuring Vietnam to withdraw from Cambodia economically and politically.

Jan. 13, 1982

The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objections to the accession by the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid.

Jan. 16, 1982

PRK Deputy PM, Hun Sen, said his govt. would not negotiate with the Khmer Rouge or third part under any circumstances.

Jan. 30, 1982

PRK and USSR signed two agreements: (1) under the agricultural agreement, Soviet technicians would assist Cambodia with water conservancy projects, help increase cotton and rubber production and develop the fishing industry; (2) under the scientific cooperation protocol, the USSR would assist Cambodia in developing her education system, including training Cambodian students in the USSR.

Feb. 2, 1982

Sweden Democratic Kampuchean Friendship Association delivered $100,000 worth of medicine to DK.  Other aid in this period included medical supplies from a private French group, clothing for orphans from Syrian govt..

Feb. 3, 1982

PRK FM Hun Sen led a KPRP delegation to French Communist Party 24^thCongress.

Feb. 5, 1982

PRK FM Hun Sen said his govt. wants large-scale economic aid from all, but with no strings attached.  On the same day, PRK National Assembly met for a six day session to (1) establish basic governmental organization under new constitution; (2) establish judicial system; (3) organize to National Assembly with three major committees – (a) Legislative Affairs chaired by Vandy Kaon; (b) Economic and Budgetary Affairs chaired by Men Chhan; (c) Education, Public Health, Social and Cultural Affairs chaired by Nu Beng; (4) approve the appointment of Chan Sy as Chairman of the Council of Minister (Prime Minister) and Bou Thang as Minister of National Defense.

Feb. 6, 1982

Soviet Chief of Staff, Marshal Nikolay Vasilyevich Ogarkov, arrived Phnom Penh for a two-days visit.

Feb. 9, 1982

Chan Sy becomes PRK Prime Minister (02/09/82-01/14/85).  Sy has served as acting PM following the removal of Pen Sovan on Dec. 5, 1981.
Feb. 11, 1982

The tripartite meeting, concerning the establishment of a coalition govt., in Beijing failed without the participation of Son Sann, who said he was willing to meet with either Prince Sihanouk or Khieu Samphan separately but not in tripartite session.  Prince Sihanouk and Khieu Samphan met twice and issued vague three-point statement of “the agreement reached for further collaboration.”  Prince Sihanouk, at press conferences, said China was arming his force in Cambodia, had shipped enough small arms to equip 3,000 men.  Hanoi denounced the meeting as a “farce by reactionary bandits who could not agree on anything.”

A Vietnamese military plane carrying 13 people crashed in Thailand after it was intercepted by Thai fighters near the sensitive border with Cambodia. The plan was believed to have strayed across the border west of the Cambodian town of Pailin while on a reconnaissance mission over territory held by Khmer Rouge in western Cambodia.

Feb. 12, 1982

Cambodia was in the midst of a baby boom, with birth rate at 5.5 percent, death rate at 0.26 percent yielding population growth rate of 5.24 per cent, one of the highest in the world according to a study.

Three Soviet freighters arrived at Kompong Som carrying 63 tractors, 37 trucks, construction equipment and other economic aid.  Moscow said volume of goods ships to Cambodia in past year has doubled, and rate continues to increase.

Feb. 16-18, 1982

The fifth annual Indochinese foreign ministers conference was held in Vientiane, Laos.  The participants were Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam, Hun Sen of Cambodia, and Kamphai Boupha of Laos.  The conference communiqué issued on Feb. 17 said all Vietnamese troops would leave Cambodia “as soon as the threat of Chinese hegemonistic expansionism is removed.”  The ministers expressed their interest in contact with Thailand on the Cambodian issue.  In response, Thai foreign ministry said Cambodia was an international, not a Thai-Vietnam problem and that the proper forum was the UN

Feb. 19, 1982

Vietnam denied that Pen Sovann, ousted PRK’s prime minister, was in Hanoi, claiming that he remains in a Phnom Penh hospital “for health reasons.”

Feb. 27, 1982

UN Commission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva adopted a resolution condemning Vietnam’s occupation of Cambodia as a violation of Cambodian human rights.  The vote was 28 in favor, 8 against, and 5 abstentions.

March 19, 1982

The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, the Agreement on cultural co-operation between the Govt. of the CSR and the People’s Revolutionary Council of Kampuchea signed at Prague on Nov. 19, 1980.

April 1, 1982

Prince Sihanouk said that his outlook for the third force in Cambodia was dismal, citing Son Sann’s demand as a major difficulty.

April 2, 1982

Thai govt. announced that it had granted an entry visa to Son San, who earlier said he would return to his guerrilla force based on the Thai-Cambodian border if Thai authority permits him.

April 6, 1982

DK Ministry of Information issued a statement criticizing France’s decision to resume economic aid to Vietnam, saying the decision was tantamount to recognizing aggression.

April 11, 1982

KPNLF leader, Son Sann, in Paris proposed a Cambodian anti-communist meeting between himself, Prince Sihanouk and a Khmer Rouge representative.  In Beijing, Prince Sihanouk reportedly agreed to the proposal.

April 26, 1982

A high level Czechoslovakia military delegation, led by Defense Minister Gen. Martin Dzur, arrived Phnom Penh for a two-days visit.

April 30, 1982

PRK and USSR sign a long-term agreement under which the USSR would assist Cambodia in developing radio and television broadcasting facilities.  Signing for the PRK was Van Sun Heng, acting general director of the Voice of the People of Kampuchea, and Yuriy Viktorovich Orlow, Deputy Chief of the USSR Committee for Television and Radio Broadcasting.

May 4, 1982

PRK’s Ministry of Agricultures announced plans of extending Kampuchean agriculture.  Initial goal was to restore prewar production, some 2.8 million hectares of which 2.5 million was in rice.  At the time, it was estimated that only about haft of that amount was being tilled.

May 7, 1982

Relief official of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, Jean Clavaud, was ordered to leave Cambodia by the PRK govt., citing activities affecting public security and order.

May 8, 1982

PRK FM, Hun Sen, arrived in Moscow on an eight-days official visit, accompany by the new PRK ambassador to Moscow, Hor Namhong.  Hun Sen met with his Soviet counterpart, Andrey Gromyko, on May 10.

May 12, 1982

The Soviet Committee for Defense of Peace arrived Phnom Penh for an eight-day goodwill visit.  The delegate was welcomed by Yit Kimseng, Chairman of the Kampuchean Committee for Defense of Peace.

May 16, 1982

PRK endorsed the Vietnamese “empty chair” proposal at the UN, in which Cambodia’s seat would be awarded to neither the Khmer Rouge nor the Phnom Penh govt..

May 17, 1982

The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the accession of the DK of the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. [14861 no page]

May 18, 1982

Soviet trade delegation, led by official of the USSR Ministry of Trade, arrived Phnom Penh.  It was welcomed by PRK Deputy Minister of Trade, Thong Chan.

May 27, 1982

Kampuchea donors meeting at the UN in New York expressed skepticism over continue Kampuchea assistance program in its present form.  Fiscal year 1982 program was budgeted at $87.6 million, of which $42.6 had been pledged.  One purpose of the meeting was to secure pledges for the $45 millions shortfall, but only $6.7 millions was received in pledges.  Donor countries were divided over whether aid should be mainly emergency type such as food or developmental.

May 29, 1982

The first national congress of Buddhist monks convened in Phnom Penh and was addressed by Heng Samrin, who stressed the role of “patriotic monks in striking a big blow to the barbarian hegemonists” and that “each monk should clearly grasp the political line of the United Front…each must make a clear distinction between friend and foe of the revolution.”

June 9, 1982

Chan Sy addressed a class of governmental trainees and outlines the State’s plan for development of state structure at the rice roots.  The three-months course would stress details of the new PRK legal system, governmental organization, and Party policies.

June 22, 1982

Three Cambodian resistance leaders, Prince Sihanouk of FUNCINPEC/ANS, Khieu Samphan of the Khmer Rouge and Son Sann of KPNLF met in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reached an agreement to create a govt.-in-exile known as the Coalition Government of Democratic Kampuchea (CGDK).  The purpose of the coalition govt. was twofold: (1) to mobilize all efforts in the common struggle to liberate Kampuchea from the Vietnamese aggressors with the view to restoring the motherland as a sovereign and independent country; and (2) to bring about the implementation of the Declaration of the International Conference on Kampuchea and other relevant UN general assembly resolutions.”

July 5, 1982

PRK FM, Hun Sen, in an interview in Phnom Penh described the newly formed coalition govt. as a gross interference by Bangkok in the internal affairs of Cambodia and a Beijing hegemonist-expansionist collaborate with US imperialism.

July 7, 1982

Moscow denounced the newly formed coalition govt. as an “additional confrontation factor” in Southeast Asia politics, which would only raises anxieties among the Asean countries and move the region away from its dream of becoming a zone of non-aligned country.

Vietnam FM, Nguyen Co Thach, announced that his country would pull out a significant number of its troops from Cambodia during July.  He made the announcement following the conclusion of the Indochinese foreign ministers conference in Ho Chi Minh City.

Prince Sihanouk returned to Cambodia for the first time since 1978, attending ceremonies inside the border with hundreds of his guerrillas and civilians.

July 9, 1982

PRK FM, Hun Sen, described the partial withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Cambodia as evidence of growing stability in the country, proof of Vietnam sincerity that it did not mean to occupy Cambodia, and as a good-will gesture to Thailand, and that additional withdrawals would depend on Thai and Chinese behavior.  He also urged Thailand to accept the “safety zone” proposal made at the Indochinese foreign ministers conference.

July 11, 1982

Phnom Penh press hailed the signing of the PRK-Vietnam historical waters agreement as evidence of the equality that exists between Cambodia and Vietnam.

July 16, 1982

PRK Ministry of Defense staged a national military conference in Phnom Penh, co-chaired by Defense Minister Bou Thang and PM Chan Sy.  A five-point program was outlined for the development of the armed forces (KPRAF), designed to permit it to “take full control of the defense of the country”.

July 17, 1982

Chinese PM, Zhao Ziyang, hosted Prince Sihanouk at a state banquet in Beijing and offered assurance of Chinese’s full supports of the Prince efforts in liberating Cambodia.  Zhao also called for the creation of a neutral and non-aligned Cambodia.

Farewell ceremonies were staged in Phnom Penh and other towns for the departing Vietnamese troops.  Flags and medals of appreciation were presented.

CGDK Defense Coordinator, In Tam, denounced the partial withdrawal of Vietnamese troops as “a farce, a sham and a lie”.

July 20, 1982

CGDK PM, Son Sann, recounted horror stories of alleged Vietnamese brutality in Cambodia, including wanton murder and rape of young girls.  He told journalists he obtained the account from eyewitnesses from the Battambang region.

July 21, 1982

Prince Sihanouk addressed the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress national committee in Beijing.

PRK Chief of Staff, Gen. Soy Keo, told an interviewer that there could be no improvement in regional relations until Thailand solves the problem of “bandit sanctuary.”

July 22, 1982

Five Vietnamese soldiers deserted to Thailand.  At the press conference in Bangkok, they doubted that Vietnam would significantly reduce its troops in Cambodia as claimed.  One of them said it was the common belief among Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia that the occupation would last 20 years.

July 26, 1982

UN Secretary General, Javier Perez de Cuella, told Cambodian aid donors meeting in New York that any sudden cut off of humanitarian assistance would undo all that had been accomplished in Cambodia and returned the country to its previous condition.

July 30, 1982

CGDK PM, Son Sann, in an interview in Paris explained his decision to ally himself with the Khmer Rouge, citing the small number of his force comparing to ten of thousands of the Khmer Rouge.

August 9, 1982

CGDK official Ieng Sary arrived in Cairo, Egypt, for an official visit.

Sept. 3, 1982

A Paris-based organization called Association to Aid the Cambodian People arrived in Phnom Penh for a two-week fact finding visit.

Sept. 10, 1982

PRK Special Envoy, Kong Korm, returned to Phnom Penh after a six-weeks trip to Mozambique, Cape Verde, the Seychelles, Benin and Madagascar.  He was there to seek support for the Phnom Penh govt. at the UN

Sept. 12, 1982

CGDK Vice Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting, which would also debate the Cambodian seating at the world body.

Sept. 13, 1982

PRK Minister of Justice, Uk Bun Chheun, departed Phnom Penh for a three-days international law conference in New Delhi, India, and later for Ulaan Baatar for conference of socialist lawyers.

Sept. 18, 1982

PRK FM, Hun Sen, said that Cambodia’s security and social order achieved great improvement during the last dry season offensive.

CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, arrived in New York to attend the annual UN General Assembly meeting. He would join with his Vice Pres., Khieu Samphan, who arrived on Sept. 12 and Prime Minister, Son Sann, who arrived a day earlier.

Sept. 21, 1982

PRK officials, at a new conference in Moscow, said their govt. eventually would extend amnesty to all former Khmer Rouge.

Sept. 23, 1982

A conference of political commissars of the Vietnamese and Cambodian armies opened in Phnom Penh host by KPRAF Political Commissar, Than Chan.  Leading the Vietnamese delegation was PAVN’s General Political Directorate deputy, Maj. Gen. Mai Dinh Hai.

Sept. 25, 1982

PRK Pres., Heng Samrin, signed two new laws concerning with protection of state property and the investigation and settlement of citizen’s complaints and denunciations.

Sept. 28, 1982

PRK officials claimed, in the week ending Sept. 23, Thai warships made 219 incursions into Cambodia waters, in the vicinity of Koh Kong and Koh Tang islands, and Thai Air Force planes made 46 air strikes on Cambodian targets.

Sept. 30, 1982

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk addressed to the 37^th UN General Assembly. [Text of the address]

Oct. 8, 1982

CGDK PM, Son Sann, acknowledged that if forced Cambodian people would choose the Heng Samrin regime over the return of Khmer Rouge, however, he added that most Cambodians saw CGDK, which containing Khmer Rouge, as genuine nationalist alternative.

Oct. 13, 1982

FUNCINPEC signed an agreement with Thai company to sell one million cubic meters of timber.  Other CGDK members expressed surprise at the unilateral decision.

Oct. 18, 1982

Princess Sisowath Sawetwong Monivong, Prince Sihanouk’s sister and a member of the KPRP Central Committee member in an interview with Thai journalist, defended Vietnamese’s occupation of Cambodia as necessary defense against Pol Pot-Ieng Sary forces, and said Prince Sihanouk could return to power if he returns like a Cambodian who is for the Cambodian people.

Oct. 28, 1982

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/37/6 calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.  The world body again awarded the seat to the coalition govt. of Prince Sihanouk.  PRK foreign ministry in Phnom Penh issued statement denouncing the decision as “a farce….and an insult to the three million Cambodians who died at the hand of the Pol Pot murderers.”

Vietnam Finances Minister, Chu Tam Thuc, visited Cambodia; he met with his PRK counterpart, Chan Phin, to discuss “reinforcement of special friendship and cooperation” in financial matter between the two countries.

Oct. 30, 1982

Indian ambassador to Bangkok was summoned to Thai Foreign Ministry and told of Thailand’s and ASEAN countries’ dissatisfaction with Indian govt. position at UN with respect to Cambodia.  India abstained in final vote at the UN General Assembly on Oct. 28; earlier India voted to unseat CGDK.

Nov. 4, 1982

PRK Pres. Heng Samrin, in an interview with Hungarian reporters in Phnom Penh, said Phnom Penh still need the presence of Vietnamese troops and the partial withdrawal in the summer was only a diplomatic gesture.

CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, arrived in Beijing from New York; he was received and congratulated by Chinese PM, Zhao Ziyang, on the Prince’s success at the UN.

Nov. 6, 1982

CGDK Vice-Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in Beijing for visit at invitation of Chinese govt.

Nov. 10, 1982

CGDK Secretary General of Foreign Affair, Mrs. Ieng Thirith, led delegation to Colombo Plan conference in Tokyo where she met with several Japanese officials.

Nov. 12, 1982

PRK sent condolences on the death of USSR leader Leonid Brezhnev and decreed three days of morning.

Nov. 13, 1982

PRK Pres., Heng Samrin, led a delegation to Brezhnev funeral.

Nov. 15, 1982

AFP reported a shipment of assault rifles from Singapore was sent to KPNLF; the same amount of weapon was promised for FUNCINPEC.

Nov. 24, 1982

PRK Foreign Ministry denounced Singapore’s shipment of weapons to resistance fighter as unfriendly and dangerous.

Nov. 26, 1982

KPRP Central Committee Secretariat issued a circular announcing celebration program to mark the fourth anniversary of creation of the KUFNCD to be held on Dec. 2.

Nov. 28, 1982

Cambodia ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Dec. 23, 1982

PRK Defense Minister, Bou Thang, and Vietnamese Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Van Tien Dung, signed an agreement of cooperation between the countries armed forces.

1983 Chronology of Cambodian History

Jan. 5, 1983

CGDK PM, Son Sann, met with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.  At the press conference following the meeting, Son Sann said his forces would continue to fight the Vietnamese and would “grant them no truce.”

Jan. 10, 1983

Vietnamese troops launched an offensive against anticommunist guerrilla forces concentrated in western Cambodia near the Thai border. The offensive was directed primarily against the KPNLF led by former PM Son Sann.

Jan. 12, 1983

Prince Sihanouk told journalists that he planed to extend his leave of absence until May, citing health problems.

Jan. 14, 1983

A Vietnamese soldier intruded across Thai border and was captured.  He told his captors that gas masks were being issued to all Vietnamese soldiers serving in Thai border region, and that a major offensive was planned for the area later in the winter.

Jan. 27, 1983

Prince Sihanouk arrived in “Khmer Rouge Liberated Zone” of Phnom Malai for inspection tour of his resistance force, meeting with his CGDK Council of Ministers and press conference.

Jan. 31, 1983

Vietnamese forces captured Nong Chan – a Cambodian refugee camp – driving some 30,000 residents into Thailand. Thai military authorities say that the refugees would be sent back to Cambodia as soon as fighting ceased.

Feb. 4, 1983

Chairman of Soviet Committee for Support of Kampuchean People, Maj. Gen. Nikolay Lychenko, arrived in Phnom Penh on a good-will visit and for consultations with PRK Ministry of Defense officials.

Feb. 5, 1983

PRK National Assembly held its 4^th session in Phnom Penh chaired by Chea Sim, Assembly and KUFNCD National Council chairman.

Feb. 10, 1983

The Center for International Policy delegation departed Phnom Penh following an 8-days visit.  The delegate toured countryside and met several govt. officials.

Feb. 25, 1983

A two-days conference, called the International Forum for Peace in Southeast Asia, convened in Phnom Penh attended by delegates from 37 countries and six international organizations.

Westerners working in Phnom Penh told journalist that the number of Vietnamese advisors in PRK ministries had decreased.  A Vietnamese diplomat said number was 2 to 10 per ministry and 15-20 per provinces.

CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, sent message to Non-Aligned countries conference to be held in New Delhi next month, saying unless trend of events in Southeast Asia was halted now, region-wide war would be eventual result.  The Prince also sent an open letter to the people of India regarding Indian govt. “open seat” position in the UN and the denial of invitation to him, saying it was not “a way to treat an old friend.”

Feb. 26, 1983

PRK Ministry of Agriculture reported 1982 rice harvest in Cambodia totaled 250,000 tons, double the 1981 harvest.

March 3, 1983

Soviet Deputy FM Kapitsa told Japanese ambassador to Moscow that his country cannot accept the Chinese proposals for settlement in Cambodia.  Kapitsa was quoted as saying, “Heng Samrin effectively rules the whole land….it is impossible to change this fact.”

March 6, 1983

Prince Sihanouk issued a strong statement condemning the Non-Aligned countries conference decision to keep “empty seat” at the UN.

March 15, 1983

Democratic Kampuchea acceded the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare with the following reservation, “……the CGDK reserves the right to consider that the said Protocol has ipso facto ceased to be binding in regard to any enemy whose armed forces or whose allies no longer respect the prohibitions laid down in the Protocol.”

March 22, 1983

PRK News Agency (SPK) charged Thai army of shelling Pailin region with mortar shells, which contain toxic chemicals in February and early March, affecting many civilians, several of whom died.  Bangkok denied the charge.  The charge came at the same time that Cambodian resistances claimed that Vietnamese forces using toxic chemicals against their forces.

March 30, 1983

Vietnamese forces launched their second offensive of dry season in Cambodian-Thai border region with a massive military forces armed at destroying all major guerilla camps in the area.

March 31, 1983

Some 25,000 Cambodian refugees fled across border into Thailand as Vietnamese troops mount major guerrilla clearing operation in vicinity of Phnom Chat.

April 1, 1983

CGDK Vice-Pres., Khieu Samphan, arrived in Buenos Aires, Brazil, for the 5^thministerial meeting of economic organization known as Group of 77.

April 2, 1983

CGDK PM, Son Sann, arrived in Singapore on his regional tour to discuss Cambodian problems with govt. officials.  At a news conference, he criticized France’s decision to resume economic aid to Vietnam.

April 9, 1983

Vietnamese forces, using SAM-7 missiles, shot down a Thai Air Force jet spotter plane which crashed inside Thailand, killing the pilot and co-pilot.

April 11, 1983

PRK National Assembly Chairman, Chea Sim, arrived in Berlin to attend the conference on Karl Marx.

April 12, 1983

Indochinese foreign ministers, Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam, Poun Sipaseut of Laos and Hun Sen of Cambodia, met for one day in Phnom Penh for what was called as “an extraordinary conference.”

April 21, 1983

US Senate passes a resolution S.RES.112 expressing the sense of the Senate that armed forces on the Thai-Cambodian border should refrain from actions that may endanger the refugees, and declaring the Vietnam should halt armed attacks on civilians.

May 1, 1983

Prince Sihanouk met with his coalition’s premier, Son Sann, and its vice pres., Khieu Samphan, in western Cambodia near Thai border. The three leaders accepted the credential of the first foreign ambassadors accredited to the resistant govt. The ambassadors were from China, Malaysia, Mauritania, North Korea and Bangladesh.

PRK FM, Hun Sen, said that if Thailand stops supporting the resistance coalition, more Vietnamese troops would be withdrawn from Cambodia. He also said the withdrawal was made possible by the growing strength of the People’s Armed Forces (PAF) and general progress in the nation since the liberation in 1979.

May 2, 1983

Some 1500 Vietnamese troops accompanied by tanks and artillery left Phnom Penh in what the Hanoi govt. said was the first stage in a larger withdrawal that would involve 10,000 troops.

May 4, 1983

PRK Defense Minister, Bou Thang, departed Phnom Penh for Moscow on official visit at the invitation of USSR Defense Minister, Marshal D.E. Ustinov.  Later, he was to visit East German, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Hungary.

May 6, 1983

CGDK PM, Son Sann, left for Australia and New Zealand to seek support of both governments to ASEAN initiative in UN on Cambodian settlement and to ask Australian govt. to postpone aid to Vietnam.  In an interview with reporter in Canberra, Son Sann said, “choosing between the Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge is like choosing between the plague and cholera.”

May 12, 1983

Mrs. Ieng Thirith, Secretary General of CGDK Foreign Ministry, met with Japanese Deputy FM, Toshijiro Nakajima, in Tokyo and was told that Japan would continue freezing aid to Vietnam until all its troops were out of Cambodia.

May 13, 1983

US issue a directive concerning its policy and processing refugees from Indochina.

Hun Sen told French correspondent Francois Nivolan of proposals for preliminary negotiations with ASEAN on Cambodia; it could be a two-sides arrangement, in which Vietnam and Laos on one side and three ASEAN representatives on the other, or a general conference with all parties present.

May 26, 1983

Former PRK PM, Pen Sovan, who was removed in late 1981, was reported living in Moscow.

June 8, 1983

PRK Deputy FM, Kong Korm, told a Japanese reporter that neither Phnom Penh nor Hanoi would deal with Prince Sihanouk on the future of Cambodia.  He said this includes Sihanouk’s participation in the so-called reconciliation govt.

June 13, 1983

CGDK Pres., Prince Sihanouk, sent telegram to his vice-pres., Khieu Samphan, offering his resignation.

June 19, 1983

The PRKAF celebrates its “tradition day” in Phnom Penh with special ceremonies.  Editorials noted PRKAF was formed as the Issarak Army on June 19, 1951 by People’s Revolutionary Party.

June 20, 1983

PRK Deputy FM, Kong Korm, received delegation of US Committee in Solidarity with Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos led by its pres., Abe Weissburd, who promised to demand the end to all support for CGDK and its expulsion from UN.

Pol Pot again reported to be very ill and under treatment in field hospital in Phnom Malai.

June 27, 1983

US Secretary of State, George Shultz, attended a 2-days meeting of ASEAN and allied foreign ministers in Bangkok where he met separately with Thai F.M. Siddhi Savetsila.  The two discussed Thai’s proposal for Vietnamese troops to pull back 18 miles from Thai-Cambodian border and Siddhi to go to Hanoi to prepare for overall Cambodian peace talks.

July 1, 1983

SPK criticized 16^th ASEAN foreign minister’s conference communiqué as an obstacle to good-will and cooperation by ignoring Vietnam’s good-will in reducing its troops in Cambodia twice.  It also denounced the communiqué for suggesting Vietnam had a 5-year plan to Vietnamize Cambodia.

July 6, 1983

PRK FM Hun Sen, in a press interview, criticized 16^th ASEAN foreign ministers conference communiqué, particularly Thai’s position that Vietnamese troops withdraws 30 km from Thai-Cambodian border as precondition for talks.  He also claimed story of Vietnamese settlement in Cambodia was fabricated.

July 11, 1983

Delegation led by Chey Saphon, vice chairman of State Organization Commission, and Kong Korm, Deputy FM, departed Phnom Penh for visit to Nicaragua and Cuba.

July 12, 1983

FUNCINPEC was preparing to open an information office in Bangkok.

July 19-20, 1983

The seventh semi-annual Indochinese foreign ministers conference was held in Phnom Penh attending by Hun Sen of Cambodia, Nguyen Co Thach of Vietnam and Phoun Sipaseut of Laos.

July 27, 1983

Phnom Penh observed Vietnamese War Invalids Day; the day marked for honoring Vietnamese soldiers wounded or killed in Cambodia.

Aug. 2, 1983

CGDK PM Son Sann returned to Bangkok after two-months international tour, which brought him to Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, West Germany and France.

Aug. 5, 1983

SPK, Phnom Penh official news agency, strongly criticized Chinese FM Wu Xuegian’s remarks during Bangkok visit, saying he made it clear without actually saying so that China “was against peace and stability, that it did not want to see dialogue between Indochina and ASEAN, that it was determined to “teach Vietnam a second lesson.”

Aug. 7, 1983

Indonesian FM Mochtar ruled out new ASEAN initiatives on Cambodia following Vietnam’s rejection of Thai proposal last May that Vietnam withdraw its troops 30 km from Thai-Cambodia border as precondition for talks.

Aug. 9, 1983

PRK Minister of Trade Tang Saroem and Hungarian Ambassador Alfred Almasi signed agreement on economic aid.

Aug. 11, 1983

Philippine FM Carlos Romulo said Cambodia situation was basic cause of instability in Southeast Asia, and that priority should be given to its political solution.

KPNLF officials began to use DK diplomatic passports of the Khmer Rouge, signed by Khieu Samphan, CGDK vice-pres. in charge of foreign affairs.

Aug. 16, 1983

Yos Pro, Secretary General of KUFNCD National Council presented a report to the National Assembly stating that more than 2.7 million Cambodians perished under the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975-1979.  The figure included 1,927,061 peasants, 25,168 monks, 488,359 ethnic minorities and 305,417 workers and professionals.

Aug. 18, 1983

KPNLF accused Vietnam of matching provinces in Cambodia and Vietnam in order to establish greater control over Cambodia.  KPNLF leader Son Sann estimated that 700,000 Vietnamese settlers have been moved into Cambodia.

Aug. 25, 1983

KPNLF leader Son Sann said China was sending enough infantry weapons to arm 1000 soldiers plus some heavier equipment, still leaving about 4000 trained men in a 9000-man force without weapons.

Aug. 31, 1983

CGDK army claimed its guerrillas ambushed a Vietnamese truck convoy Aug. 23 on Rout 7 in Kompong Cham province, killing 8 Soviet advisers.

Sept. 4, 1983

PRK and Vietnam signed agreement on cooperation in meteorology and hydrology in Hanoi; similar agreement on robber production was signed earlier.

Sept. 8, 1983

PRK and USSR signed economic and technical cooperation agreement in Moscow.  Ambassador Hor Namhong signed for Cambodia.

Sept. 11, 1983

Samdech Penn Nouth med with Chinese officials in Beijing, including Deng Xiaoping.

Sept. 14, 1983

PRK and East German (GDR) signed trade protocol in Berlin, anticipating export of rubber, tobacco, and timber by Cambodia and import of chemical products, insecticides, trucks, and other goods.

Sept. 16, 1983

CGDK Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan arrived in New York to attend 38^th session of UN General Assembly.

A five-day meeting of PRK Ministry of Planning officials, chaired by Heng Samrin, convenes in Phnom Penh to prepare the 1984 State Plan.

Sept. 18, 1983

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk arrived in New York to head CGDK delegation to the 38^th UN General Assembly session, which Cambodia’s seat again would be decided.  He was greeted at the airport by Khieu Samphan and hundred of Cambodian people who lived in the US

Sept. 22, 1983

PRK FM Hun Sen met in Moscow with his Soviet counterpart, Andrei Gromyko.

Sept. 26, 1983

US. Rep. Wright introduces H.CON.RES.176

Oct. 4, 1983

Prince Sihanouk, addressing the 38^th annual UN General Assembly meeting, charged that Hanoi had sent 600,000 Vietnamese to settle in Cambodia as part of its Vietnamization of Cambodia.

Oct. 5, 1983

Albania granted diplomatic recognition to PRK.  Tirana special envoy arrived in Phnom Penh was received by Pres. Heng Samrin who called the recognition “a landmark”.

Oct. 11, 1983

ASEAN countries decided to postpone their meeting with Australian officials scheduled for late October in Canberra.  In respond, Australia said it was reviewing its annual educational aid program for Southeast Asian students.  ASEAN and Australia crashed over Cambodian issue following Canberra’s decision not to co-sponsor the ASEAN resolution on Cambodia at the UN as it had in the past.

Oct. 20, 1983

PRK officials in Phnom Penh said Cambodian fishermen, in 1983 to date, have caught 63,750 tons of fish, almost all of it freshwater.

The 38^th UN General Assembly accepted without recording vote or challenging its credentials committee report giving CGDK the Cambodian seat for another year.

Oct. 27, 1983

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/38/3 (by vote of 105 to 23 with 19 abstentions, calling for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cambodia.

Oct. 24, 1983

Mongolian People’s Republic military delegation, led by Defense Minister Gen. Jamsrangiyn Yondon, arrived in Phnom Penh for a 3-days visit.  On the same day, a Cuban National Assembly delegation, touring Indochina, arrived for a 2-days visit.

Nov. 1, 1983

Japan announced its $12.5 million grant for aid to be provided through World Food Program to refugee living along Thai-Cambodian border.

Nov. 15, 1983

US Senate passed a resolution H.CON.RES.176 expressing the sense of congress that the US should continue to: (1) give support to ASEAN to secure a political resolution of the Cambodian problem and ensure the withdrawal of foreign forces and the restoration of Cambodian self-determination; (2) urge other nations to support the ASEAN efforts in the UN; (3) urge other nations to cooperate with ASEAN in maintaining economic and diplomatic pressure on Vietnam to accept a peaceful settlement; (4) support international effort through the UN Border Relief Operation to relieve the suffering of the Cambodian refugees along the Thai border; and (5) give humanitarian and political support to the non-communist Khmer nationalist forces.

Nov. 18, 1983

PRK and Vietnam signed national bank agreement, involving exchange rates and non-commercial payments.

Nov. 20, 1983

Poland FM Stefan Olszowski, who was in Phnom Penh for a 3-days visit, met with PRK Pres. Heng Samrin.

Australian PM Hawke told news reporters that he “reacts favorably” to idea of Australian participation in a Cambodian peacekeeping force, as suggested by Malaysia, but added he could not “fully commit” his govt. to such a role.

Nov. 28, 1983

The Govt. of DK ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Dec. 7, 1983

The first congress of Kampuchean Federation of Trade Unions convened in Phnom Penh attended by 302 delegates and 160 observers from PRK agencies.

Dec. 8, 1983

PRK officials in Phnom Penh announced the trial, conviction, and sentencing of 10 traitors who carried out anti-revolutionary activities.  All ten confessed.

Dec. 13, 1983

Senegal established diplomatic relations with CGDK; its ambassador to China Mamadou Seyni Mbengue took the post concurrently.

Dec. 24, 1983

CGDK leadership, Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann who were in Beijing for a 12-days consultations among themselves and Chinese leaders, met with Chairman Deng Xiaoping.

Dec. 25, 1983

Prince Sihanouk, in a press conference, said China had promised to provide more military aid to Cambodian resistance.

Dec. 28, 1983

USSR registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the DK, “The ratification of the above-mentioned International Convention by the so-called ‘Govt. of DK’….is completely unlawful and had no legal force.”

Dec. 29, 1983

Byelorussian registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by the DK.

1984 Chronology of Cambodian History

Jan. 7, 1984

PRK Pres. Heng Samrin told foreign journalists that he welcomed Kampuchean peace initiatives but rejected idea of ASEAN peacekeeping force.  Meanwhile, FM Hun Sen, at press conference, rejected any sort of reconciliation with Prince Sihanouk or Son Sann; and said there were 61,000 ethnic Chinese living in Kampuchea and 56,000 Vietnamese compared to 500,000 Vietnamese before 1975.

Jan. 9, 1984

CGDK issued statement listing four instances of Vietnamese use of chemical weapons in Kampuchea, which killed seven people.

Jan. 15, 1984

Prince Sihanouk arrived in Beijing from Pyongyang told journalists that he was prepared to talk with Soviet officials about Kampuchean problem.

Jan. 17, 1984

Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Jan. 20, 1984

Prince Sihanouk arrived in Bangkok from Beijing; he was received by his Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan, PM Son Sann, Thai FM Siddhi Savetsila, ASEAN Ambassadors to Thailand, China, Pakistan, Brunei and North Korea. Speaking to reporters, the Prince said he was ready to pay visits to all the liberated zones inside Kampuchea under the control of the different movement, and that “there are no differences, no disputes among the three patriotic movements.”  (FAB #3-4)

Jan. 22, 1984

Prince Sihanouk met with Thai FM Siddhi Savetsila and senior officials of the Thai Foreign Ministry.  (FAB #3-4)

Australian FM Hayden told journalists that FUNCINPEC and KPNLF would be allowed to open an office in Australia but would have neither diplomatic nor official status nor allowed to advocate violence.

Jan. 23, 1984

Prince Sihanouk met and held meeting with his FUNCINPEC/ANS military leaders, cadres and oversea representatives.  [Press Release] (FAB #3-4)

Jan. 24, 1984

CGDK held its Council of Ministers meeting inside Kampuchea presided by Prince Sihanouk, attending by VP Khieu Samphan, PM Son Sann, Prince Ranariddh and the ministers of the coalition govt.  (FAB #3-4)

Jan. 25, 1984

Ethiopia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “The Provisional Military Govt. of Socialist Ethiopia should like to reiterate that the Govt. of the PRK is the sole legitimate representative of the People of Kampuchea and such is alone has the authority to act on behalf of Kampuchea.”

Jan. 26, 1984

Prince Sihanouk visited Phnom Malai, Khmer Rouge controlled area, to receive credentials of ambassadors of Yugoslavia and Egypt.

Belgium joined Australia in urging Vietnam to refrain from mounting any dry season military sweep against guerilla-forces in Kampuchea. (FAB #3-4)

Jan. 27, 1984

PRK and USSR signed transportation cooperation memorandum under which the Soviet would provide goods shipping by sea to Kampuchea.

PRK Agriculture Minister Kong Samol and Vietnamese Minister of Marine Products signed 1984 fisheries cooperation agreement in Phnom Penh.

Prince Sihanouk held talks at Laem Taem guesthouse with the Ambassadors of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and a senior Singaporean Embassy official.  (FAB #3-4)

Jan. 28, 1984

PRK FM Hun Sen departed Phnom Penh for Vientiane to attend the 8^thIndochinese foreign ministers conference.

Jan. 29, 1984

Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique visited KPNLF’s camp of Banteay Ampil, receiving by CGDK PM/KPNLF Pres. Son Sann.  (FAB #3-4)

Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Jan. 30, 1984

Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique visited the FUNCINPEC/ANS camp of Tatum (Green Hill). (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 1, 1984

Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique were granted an audience with King and Queen of Thailand at Phu Phing Palace in Chiang Mai. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 2, 1984

Belgian FM Leo Tindemans told news reporters in Jakarta that his country totally supports Kampuchean resistance movement and ASEAN’s position on Kampuchean issue.

Prince Sihanouk accompanied by Prince Ranariddh called on Thai PM Prem Tinsulanonda, discussing the Kampuchean situation.  Prince Sihanouk also told Thai PM that Vietnamese were changing the frontier maps to reflect the annexation of a piece of Kampuchean territory known as the “Parrot’s Beak”. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 5, 1984

Soviet deputy FM Mikhail Kapitsa arrived in Phnom Penh for a 4-days visit.  He met with Pres. Heng Samrin, PM Chan Sy and FM Hun Sen.

CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Kuala Lumpur to begin a 10-days visit to Malaysia. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 6, 1984

Prince Sihanouk met and discussed Kampuchean problem with Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohammed.  Earlier, Prince Sihanouk and Princess Monique were received in audience by the Malaysian King and Queen. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 9, 1984

ANS Commander Lt. Gen. Pak Meenakanit told reporters that 18 of his troops suffered from gas attack.  He said the yellow gas, contained in mortar shells and fired from grenade launchers, caused the soldiers to faint, have difficulties in breathing and hamper their vision. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 11, 1984

KPRP General Secretary Heng Samrin departed Phnom Penh for Moscow, leading delegate to attend funeral of CPSU Secretary General Yuri Andropov.

Feb. 14, 1984

CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Singapore to begin a 6-days visit. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 15, 1984

CGDK delegation held talks with Singaporean FM S. Dhanabalan, discussing recent diplomatic and military activities of the Kampuchean resistance. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 18, 1984

Ceremonies were held in Phnom Penh marking fifth anniversary of signing of Kampuchea-Vietnam Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation.

Feb. 20, 1984

PRK and Vietnam signed in Phnom Penh a 1984 Protocol of Educational Cooperation, in which Vietnam was to help compile and publish teaching materials and provide study grants to Kampuchean students.

CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Jakarta to begin a 2-weeks visit to Indonesia. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 21, 1984

Prince Sihanouk met with Indonesian Pres. Soharto, who assured the Prince of Indonesia continue support of the CGDK. (FAB #3-4)

Feb. 26, 1984

PRK and GDR (East German) signed a public health cooperation plan for 1984-86, in which GDR would assist Kampuchea in health care training and administrative practices.

Feb. 29, 1984

The Govt. of Vietnam registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “The Govt. of the SRV considers that only the Govt. of the PRK, which is the sole genuine and legitimate representative of the Kampuchean people, is empowered to act in their behalf to sign, ratify or accede to international conventions.”

March 4, 1984

An Italian embassy official in Bangkok told news reporters that his govt. had approved $500,000 in humanitarian aid to Kampuchean resistance forces of Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann.  He added the aid would be extended through UN Border Relief Organization.

March 5, 1984

Vietnamese army newspaper (Nhan Dan) accused Singapore of arming the Kampuchean resistance and of maintaining tension in Southeast Asia. (FAB #3-4)

March 6, 1984

National Mekong Committee of three Indochinese countries opened 7^th conference in Phnom Penh.  Delegations were headed by Kong Samol – Kampuchea Agriculture Minister, Dinh Gia Khanh – Vietnam Deputy Minister of Water Conservancy, and Somphavan Inthavon – Loas Vice-Chairman of Planning Committee.  The conference called for Kampuchea to be legitimate member of International Mekong Committee if there was to be effective exploitation of lower Mekong.

CGDK delegation led by Prince Sihanouk arrived in Manila to begin a weeklong visit to the Philippines. (FAB #3-4)

March 9, 1984

CGDK PM Son Sann arrived in Singapore for a 6-days visit, telling news reporters that he was optimistic about Kampuchea’s future since “now it is not a question of whether Vietnamese troops will leave, but when.”

March 12, 1984

The Govt. of Czechoslovakia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

March 20, 1984

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk returned to Phnom Malai to accept credentials of Malaysian ambassador Datuk Ismail bin Mohamed. (FAB #3-4)

March 21, 1984

Japanese FM Shintaro Abe said Prince Sihanouk would make a weeklong visit to Japan starting May 30 at the invitation of Japanese govt.  This would be Prince Sihanouk’s first trip to Japan since an unofficial visit in 1961. (FAB #3-4)

March 22, 1984

Thai Army Supreme Command spokesman said there were strong indications that Vietnamese troops in Kampuchea plan to use chemical warfare to wipe out resistance force.

April 6, 1984

UN Special envoy in charge of humanitarian aid to Kampuchea, Tatsuro Kunugi, left Phnom Penh after 8-days visit.

April 8, 1984

PRK FM Hun Sen stopped in Moscow en-route home from African tour.

April 13, 1984

PRK Deputy FM Kong Korm told visiting Swedish journalist that both Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann can return to Kampuchea, even run for office in an election it they accept the present Constitution.  He also added that major condition for Prince Sihanouk’s return was that he breaks with Khmer Rouge.

April 18, 1984

PRK Foreign Ministry issued a 3-points statement regarding refugees in Thai-Kampuchean border area, charging that the refugees were furthering Chinese aims, that Thailand’s dealing with them violate international law, and that PRK was willing to hold either direct or indirect talks with Thailand on the problem.

April 26, 1984

German Democratic Republic (East Germany) registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “The GDR does not recognize the so-called CGDK and therefore regards its instrument of ratification concerning the Convention as being without legal force.  The only legitimate representative of the people of Kampuchea is the Govt. of the PRK.”

May 8, 1984

Fourteen Thai captured during combat along Thai-Kampuchean border were presented at press conference in Phnom Penh by KPRAF Deputy Chief of Staff Tea Banh.

May 15, 1984

The Govt. of the French Republic registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, “The Govt. of the French Republic, which does not recognize the CGDK, declares that the instrument of DK of the International Convention…is without effect.”

May 20, 1984

A national “Day of Hate” was proclaimed by the PRK to mark start of “Pol Pot genocide” on May 20, 1975.  Ceremonies and observances were ordered nationwide.

May 31, 1984

Prince Sihanouk told Japanese PM Nakasone that he was ready to head a 4-way coalition interim govt., which could stage elections to name permanent govt.  The only condition was that PRK stop acting as a spokesman for Hanoi.  Prince Sihanouk also asked Japan to name an ambassador to CGDK.

June 1, 1984

The first Indochina Foreign Trade conference convened in Phnom Penh.  Delegations were headed by ministers of trade: Tang Saroem of Kampuchea, Le Khac of Vietnam and Vanthong Sengmuang of Loas.

June 7, 1984

The Govt. of Mongolia registered, with the UN, its objection to the ratification by DK of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

June 14, 1984

Japan and Thailand, at working level consultations in Bangkok, agreed to promote effort to bring about comprehensive solution to Kampuchea problem.  Japanese Deputy FM Toshijiro Nakajima pledged his country’s full backing for ASEAN position supporting CGDK.

June 24, 1984

Ceremonies were held for some 3,000 Vietnamese troops departing Kampuchea for home; the troops was part of 10,000 Hanoi said will leave during 1984.

July 2, 1984

The 2^nd Kampuchean Monks Congress convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session presided by National Assembly Chairman Chea Sim.

July 11, 1984

Prince Sihanouk told newsmen his position on settlement of the Kampuchean problem was through an all-party international conference.  He implied this had Beijing’s endorsement.

July 16, 1984

A high-level PRK delegation, headed by PM Chan Sy, departed Phnom Penh on tour of socialist countries in search of economic aid.

CGDK PM Son Sann said, in an interview, that China was CGDK’s sole arms supplier only because France and other countries would not supply military hardware to his resistance group.

July 26, 1984

PRK and Bulgaria signed an agreement concerning a non-reimbursable assistance granted to Kampuchea in the fields of education, culture and sport for the period 1985-90.

PRK FM Hun Sen told an interviewer that Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann could plan a political role in Cambodia if they agree to return and to recognize the new constitution.  But he ruled out their inclusion in a coalition govt.

Aug. 1, 1984

The 9^th Plenum of the KPRP convened in Phnom Penh for a 4-days session under the chairmanship of Party Secretary General Heng Samrin.  Six resolutions were adopted dealing with economic, social and foreign affairs.  The Plenum also issued a directive called “Guideline for the Central Propaganda and Education Commission,” setting forth an ambitious domestic propaganda campaign to be implemented by the National Assembly.

KPNLF launched a campaign called Sponsor-a-Guerrilla Program, in which individuals abroad were solicited for a donation of $40 to provide basic personal equipment for one resistance fighter such as uniform, hammock, knapsack, etc.  Literature stressed money would not be used for weapons purchase.

Prince Sihanouk and Egypt issued joint communiqué in Cairo at the end of Prince Sihanouk’s 5-days visit.  It was a strong endorsement of Kampuchea resistance cause but contains no indication that Egypt will supply weapons to the CGDK as rumor.

Aug. 3, 1984

Australian PM Bill Hayden left Bangkok after 4-days of discussions with Thai officials, chiefly about Kampuchea.  He told a press conference Australia had no plans to resume economic aid to Vietnam, stressed the importance of ASEAN unity and said Hanoi had not answered his suggestion for an international conference on Kampuchea in Canberra.

AFP reported two former high-ranking officials of DK had defected.  They were Thiounn Thioum, former Economy and Finance Minister and Keat Chhun, former official in Prime Minister’s office with ministerial rank.

Aug. 4, 1984

CGDK Vice-Pres. Khieu Samphan arrived in Mexico City for UN conference on population.  He met with ASEAN diplomats during the stay.

Aug. 8, 1984

Prince Sihanouk met with French Pres. Francois Mitterand for 45 minutes in Paris.  Following the meeting, the two announced that they would meet twice a year of discuss Kampuchea matters.

Aug. 14, 1984

Prince Sihanouk at press conference in Oslo, Norway, called for creation of coalition govt. in Kampuchea to include supporters of the PRK.

Sept. 8, 1984

Chairman of the International Conference on Kampuchea, former Austrian FM Willibald Pahr, told news conference in Bangkok that Hanoi in four years had settled some 500,000 Vietnamese in Kampuchea, in addition to the 180,000 PAVN.  Kampuchea population was estimated between six to seven millions.

Sept. 12, 1984

Willibald Pahr, chairman of the International Commission of Kampuchea, proposed to demilitarized Angkor area.  Phnom Penh rejected the idea citing it would be used as sanctuary by the resistance, ASEAN said the idea should be explored but noncommittal; Hanoi and CGDK made no comment.

Sept. 23, 1984

Prince Sihanouk and Son Sann met with US Pres. Reagan in New York, following President’s address to UN General Assembly.  A spokesman said Reagan restated US policy on Kampuchea: a political settlement that includes withdrawal of Vietnamese troops from Kampuchea.

Sept. 28, 1984

Prince Sihanouk, Khieu Samphan and Son Sann arrived in Beijing for meetings with Chinese officials and to attend the PRC 35^th anniversary.

Oct. 11, 1984

PRK Information and Culture Minister Chheng Phon rejected proposal by Willibald Pahr, chairman of the International Conference on Kampuchea, to demilitarize Angkor area.  CGDK accepted the proposal.

Oct. 15, 1984

PRK and USSR signed in Moscow a protocol on exchange of ratification instruments for consular agreement.

Oct. 17, 1984

UN General Assembly adopted without vote the recommendation of its Credentials Committee to seat CGDK.

PRK Education Minister Pen Novouth sent telegram to UN-sponsored conference on education in Geneva, protesting presence of CGDK delegation.

Oct. 19, 1984

PRK and Hungary signed in Budapest a Protocol on 1985 goods exchange, in which Kampuchea would trade agricultural products for Hungarian chemicals, electric equipment and fabrics.

Oct. 22, 1984

Hungarian Industry Ministry delegation arrived in Phnom Penh for a visit.

Delegation of Philippine women departed Phnom Penh after 5-days visit.

Oct. 29, 1984

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk delivered speech to UN General Assembly denouncing Vietnam invasion and occupation of Kampuchea.

Oct. 30, 1984

The UN General Assembly again voted in favor of a resolution A/RES/39/5 calling for a withdrawal of Vietnamese forces from Cambodia. The votes were 110 to 22 with 18 abstentions.

Nov. 1, 1984

PRK Pres. Heng Samrin and FM Hun Sen left Phnom Penh for New Delhi to attend Indira Gandhi funeral.

Nov. 22, 1984

Prince Ranariddh, ANS commander, attended opening of FUNCINPEC office in Canberra and held talks with Australian foreign minister officials.  He calls for both China and Vietnam to allow Kampuchea to become neutral.

Dec. 12, 1984

New York based Lawyer Committee for International Human Rights charged that the Phnom Penh govt. routinely tortured political prisoners and said Vietnamese govt. officials were involved in the arrest and torture of Cambodians.

Dec. 24, 1984

The US Congressional delegation headed by Rep. Stephen Solarz arrived in Phnom Penh for talks.  The delegation met with PRK FM Hun Sen.

Dec. 25, 1984

The Vietnamese forces occupying Cambodia launched an offensive against rebel strongholds along the Cambodian-Thai border. The attack began at dawn with tank and artillery fires. The following day Vietnamese troops overran Rithisen, KPNLF’s largest camp, forcing thousands of its inhabitants to flee into Thailand.

Dec. 31, 1984

Radio Phnom Penh announced the death of the PRK PM Chan Sy.  The Premier, who was appointed to the premier post in Feb. 1982, died in Moscow, USSR.  He was there for medical treatment.  He was believed to have died some days before the announcement.

1990 Chronology Of Cambodian History

Jan. 16, 1990

Talks on Cambodia among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council end in Paris with an agreement on general principles.

Jan. 31, 1990

SOC National Assembly concludes a one-week session in Phnom Penh, adopting 1990 state plan.

Feb. 3, 1990

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk announces the changes of his government-in-exile: (1) CGDK was renamed to “National Government of Cambodia”; (2) Prince Sihanouk’s official title was “President of Cambodia”; (3) the Khmer Rouge flag and anthem would be replaced with pre-1970 one; and (4) the regime of Cambodia would be a democratic presidential system based on the Fifth French Republic.

Feb. 6, 1990

The US House of Representatives pass a resolution, by the vote of 413-0, on UN role in the Cambodian peace process as outlined in a UN Security Council meeting in Paris on Jan. 13-15.

Feb. 18, 1990

US Senator Charles Robb hold talks with Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh.

Feb. 21, 1990

Prince Sihanouk and Premier Hun Sen sign a first joint communiqué following a 5-hours meeting in Bangkok hosted by Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan and army chief Gen. Chawalit Yongchaiyut.

Feb. 23, 1990

SOC PM Hun Sen tells reporters, on his return to Phnom Penh, that he would not allow his govt. be dissolved prior to elections and the UN role should be confined to organizing elections.

Australia FM Gareth Evans pledges US$2.4 million in relief and refugee aid for Cambodia on the eve of his departure for Jakarta talks.

Feb. 27, 1990

US Pres. George Bush meets with Prince Sihanouk in Beijing.

March 1, 1990

Peace talks in Jakarta among the Cambodian warring factions ended in failure.

March 7, 1990

US Sen. Cramston introduces S.CON.RES.101

March 30, 1990

UN sent a fact-finding team to Cambodia to assess logistics requirement in the event of a UN role in the settlement.

April 6, 1990

US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush’s meeting with Soviet FM Eduard Shevardnadze.

April 9, 1990

Prince Sihanouk unveiled a new nine-point Cambodian peace program, heart of which was a UN military force to police the country before and during general elections to form the new govt. and ruling system.

April 11, 1990

A US Senate delegation, led by Sen. Robert Kerrey, arrived in Phnom Penh on a fact-finding mission.  The delegation met with SOC PM Hun Sen and NA Chairman Chea Sim and other officials.

April 13, 1990

A UN team departed Phnom Penh following a 2-weeks mission to assess the state and needs of Cambodia’s communication and transportation systems.

April 15, 1990

European Community diplomats at the UN warned the CGDK not to expect EC support at the UN General Assembly for the Cambodia seat as in the past.

April 30, 1990

Australian Dep. FM Micheal Costello departed Phnom Penh after a 2-days visit; he met with SOC PM Hun Sen and other officials.

US Senator Cranston introduces S.AMDT.1564

May 1, 1990

SOC PM Hun Sen flew to the Thai resort town of Pattaya for a day of talks with Thai officials.  Later, the Premier said a cease-fire was the necessary first step for the Cambodian peace process.

May 3, 1990

Prince Sihanouk suggested Phnom Penh should be declared a de-militarized, open city and be put under UN administration.

May 17, 1990

Fighting between Khmer and Vietnamese students broke out at the University of Hanoi and University of Ho Chi Minh City and continued sporadically for nearly two weeks, leaving dozens of students hospitalized.

May 24, 1990

The Caravan, a Thai rock group, gave a concert at Angkok Wat attended by some 100,000 people despite heavy rain.  The program was part of a Thai sponsored “Artists for Peace”.

US Pres. Bush holds new conference, in which Cambodia-US relations question is raised.

May 25, 1990

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council held a weekend meeting in New York to discuss Cambodia, the fourth such session this year.

May 29, 1990

Prince Sihanouk announced he was planning to reassume leadership of the CGDK, in advance of a Tokyo meeting on the Cambodian peace process.

June 3, 1990

US Pres. Bush holds news conference following discussions with Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev, in which Cambodia issue was discussed.

June 5, 1990

CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk and SOC PM Hun Sen signed a joint communiqué in Tokyo at the end of their meeting.

June 13, 1990

At least six governmental and military figures were reported of being arrested on suspicion of anti-government activities (planning to form a political party).  Those detained were listed as the Transport, Communications and Post Minister Ung Phan, Foreign Ministry official Kan Man, Planning Ministry official Nou Saing Khan, Defense Ministry officials Col. On Sum and Lt. Col. Kay Mathury.

June 14, 1990

USSR Deputy FM Igor Rogachev, in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Qian Qichen, predicted a political settlement would be reached very soon in Cambodia.

US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan, “…we also talked about resolving the tragic conflict in Cambodia. And we agreed that both our countries should continue our diplomatic efforts to end the violence, to achieve a comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Cambodian people by assuring genuine self-determination through free and fair elections under U.N. auspices and in the presence of an international peacekeeping force.”

June 20, 1990

SOC officials denied ordering a crack down on the democracy movement in Cambodia, and said the recent arrests were “punishing acts of treason, not suppressing the aspirations for democracy.”

June 23, 1990

SOC Council of Ministers established a special commission to oversee the search of Americans missing in action in Cambodia, chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Khim Pon.  The task of the commission was to act as a liaison between American specialists and provincial officials.

June 27, 1990

US Rep. Solarz introduces H.AMDT.540

July 5, 1990

Singaporean investors in Cambodia are warned by their govt. that their passports would be confiscated if they did not withdraw immediately.  Singaporeans are not allowed to invest or work in Cambodia until there was a comprehensive political settlement.

July 7, 1990

SOC Council of Minister issued regulations on intermarriage between Khmer citizens and overseas Khmers or foreign residents in Cambodia.  Those applying for marriage with Khmer citizens must submit their application to the Council through the Ministry of Interior.

July 16, 1990

Jonh G. Dean, the last US ambassador to Cambodia, arrived in Phnom Penh for a week long visit; he met with PM Hun Sen and Defense Minister Tea Banh.

July 17, 1990

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded a 2-days meeting in Paris, discussing the involvement of the UN in the Cambodian peace process.

July 18, 1990

US Secretary of State James Baker announced that the US administration would seek contacts with Hanoi to reach a Cambodian settlement and would no longer support the three party coalition containing the Khmer Rouge in the UN.

US Senator Kerry introduces S.CON.RES.140

July 20, 1990

Phnom Penh Radio announced that SOC would send 837 students abroad for the 1990-91 school year.  They would be sent to USSR, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Mongolia, Laos, Cuba, and Vietnam.

July 24, 1990

ASEAN foreign ministers, at a 2-days meeting in Jakarta, called for a Cambodian quadripartite meeting in Jakarta in order to set up a Supreme National Council (SNC) to temporarily govern Cambodia.

July 26, 1990

A US military team left Phnom Penh with six sets of remains believed to be Americans, including four recovered from a Khmer Rouge mass grave.

July 29, 1990

Vietnam FM Nguyen Co Thach, in an interview, praised recent US policy changes and expressed his optimism about a settlement of the Cambodian problem.

Aug.4, 1990

US Senator Cranston introduces S.RES.321

Aug. 6, 1990

US and Vietnamese officials met in New York to discuss peace in Cambodia.

Aug. 22, 1990

CGDK leaders, Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan, met in Beijing and announced their acceptance of the ASEAN initiated invitation from the Paris International Conference on Cambodia to meet in Jakarta with SOC to work out plans for creation of a Supreme National Council for Cambodia.

Aug. 28, 1990

Cambodia warring factions accept the Framework document as the basis for settling the Cambodia conflict.  On the same day, the five permanent members of UN Security Council agree among themselves on the main elements of a Cambodian peace process.  It involves deep UN involvement in the peacekeeping task fully supported and funded by the perm-five.

Sept. 5, 1990

US Secretary of State James Baker says the US would begin direct talks with the SOC on the peace process in Cambodia.  SOC, in response, says it is ready for talks on any subjects at any level; and Vietnam welcomes the announcement.

Sept. 10, 1990
The four Cambodian warring parties accept the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of Cambodia conflict at their Informal Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The framework provide that a Supreme National Council (SNC) shall be established as the unique legitimate body and source of authority in which, throughout the transitional period, the independence, national sovereignty and unity of Cambodia is embodied.

Sept. 15, 1990

The National Bank of Cambodia devalues its currency from R460 to R510 per US dollar.

Sept. 17, 1990

The four Cambodia warring factions meet in Bangkok to establish the Supreme National Council (SNC).  Twelve members of SNC are selected: Hun Sen (SOC), Hor Namhong (SOC), Chem Snguon (SOC), Kong Som Ol (SOC), Sin Song (SOC), Tea Banh (SOC), Prince Ranariddh (ANS), Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum (ANS), Son Sann (KPNLF), Ieng Mouly (KPNLF), Khieu Samphan (DK) and Son Sen (DK).

Sept. 20, 1990

The UN Security Council unanimously adopt a resolution S/RES/668 endorsing the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict, which agreed to by Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.

Oct. 1, 1990

French Deputy FM Thierry de Beauce ends his visit to Cambodia.  He meets with PM Hun Sen, FM Hor Namhong and NA Chairman Chea Sim, and agrees to provide the aid of French expertise in agriculture, road building and port facilities.

Oct. 8, 1990

SOC PM Hun Sen led a delegation to New Delhi, India, for a 5-days visit.

Oct. 11, 1990

Four of 32 dancers from Phnom Penh on tour in the US defected.

Oct. 12, 1990

Agreement was reached behind the scenes at the UNGA that there be no vote this year on the Cambodian peace process, nor any decision at the moment on who would occupy the Cambodian UN seat.  The move was part of ASEAN’s strategy to force the Cambodian to decide among themselves on the composition of the SNC.

US Senator Mitchell and Kerry introduce S.AMDT.2966 and S.AMDT.2967

Oct. 15, 1990

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/45/3 welcoming the acceptance of a framework of comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict by all four Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.

Oct, 17, 1990

US Rep. Richardson introduces H.AMDT.878

Oct. 18, 1990

The National Bank of Cambodia devalued its currency again from R510 to R600 per US dollar.

Oct. 27, 1990

US Congress passed the 1991 foreign aid bill, providing up to $20 million in humanitarian aid to Cambodia, and another $5 million went to Cambodian children and other civilian victims of war.  The fund to the non-communist resistance was cut.

Nov. 5, 1990

SOC National Assembly convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session to discuss the international negotiations over Cambodia, reshuffle and appoint of cadres and cancel the treaty of friendship with East Germany.

Nov. 30, 1990

A Buddhist festival attended by some 4,000 people was held at the 1000-year-old Temple of Bayon, led by SOC Transportation Minister Ros Choun.

Dec. 3, 1990

Amnesty International commended SOC for its improvement in human rights, but added torture and unfair detention by local authorities had not stopped.

Dec. 5, 1990

Prince Sihanouk appears in a Paris court to defense himself in a $100,000 libel suit filed against him by SOC FM Hor Namhong.  Prince Sihanouk accuses the FM of having run a Khmer Rouge concentration camp.  Hor Namhong denied that he commanded the camp but was detained there along with other intellectuals from 1976-78, and was arbitrarily appointed in 1978 to head a camp committee responsible for handling food distribution, assigning work and organizing political indoctrination sessions.

Dec. 21, 1990

Meetings are held in Paris from Dec. 21-23, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.

1991 Chronology Of Cambodian History

May 8, 1991

US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on foreign access to United States Ports; Cambodia is one of countries banned from the US ports.

June, 4, 1991

Meetings are held in Jakarta from June 4-6, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.

June 19, 1991

US Rep. McCollun introduces H.AMDT.182

June 24, 1991

Meetings are held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 24-26, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.

July 16, 1991

Meetings are held in Beijing, China, from July 16-17.  Prince Sihanouk is unanimously elected as the Pres. of the SNC.

July 29, 1991

US Senator McCain introduces S.AMDT.907 an amendment expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to relation between US and Vietnam and Cambodia.

Aug. 26, 1991

Meetings are held in Pattaya from Aug. 26-29, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.

Sept. 19, 1991

Meetings are held in New York, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.

Oct. 16, 1991

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/717 to establish a United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) immediately after the signing of the agreements for a comprehensive political settlement.

Oct. 23, 1991

The Paris Conference reconvenes its second session, from Oct. 21-23, to conclude a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict. The Accord, among others, gives UN full authority to supervise a cease-fire, repatriate the displaced Cambodian along the border with Thailand, disarm and demobilize the factional armies, and to prepare the country for free and fair elections.
Nov. 11, 1991

The United States opened a Mission in Phnom Penh, headed by Charles H. Twining. Mr. Twining was a designated US Special Representative to the SNC.

Nov. 12, 1991

US Pres. Bush remarks to the Asia Society in New York City, “Let me give you a few examples of how we seek to build the peace. The conflict in Indochina has preoccupied this Nation for years. Finally, we’ve entered into a period of healing and constructive cooperation. We will work step-by-step to resolve the painful issues left by that war. The ASEAN nations, Japan, Australia, and the U.N. Security Council’s permanent members recently forged a Cambodian peace process that promises free elections in a nation previously rent by tyranny and genocide. Just yesterday, for the first time in 16 years, we sent an accredited diplomat to Cambodia to participate in the peacemaking arrangements.”

Nov. 20, 1991

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/46/18 expressing its full support for the agreements on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict “Paris Agreement”.

Nov. 14, 1991

Prince Norodom Sihanouk returns home after thirteen years in exile.

Dec. 17, 1991

US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush’s meeting with Thai PM Anan Panyarachun, in which Cambodia was discussed.

1992 Chronology Of Cambodian History

Jan. 2, 1992

US Pres. George Bush addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra and holds news conference with Australia PM Paul J. Keating in Canberra; Cambodian peace plan is raised.

Jan. 3, 1992

United States lift its sixteen year-old trade embargo and normalize economic relations with Cambodia. The US also end blanket opposition to lending to Cambodia by international financial institutions.

Jan. 4, 1992

US Pres. George Bush remarks with the Singapore Lecture Group, and holds news conference with Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong in Singapore; Cambodia is mention.

Jan. 8, 1992

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/728 welcoming the operational of the UNAMIC, the SNC and the maintenance of the cease-fire. The Council also expresses concern about the existence of mines and minefields in Cambodia and considers establishing a training program in mine clearance.

Feb. 8, 1992

SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on renaming the People’s National Bank of Cambodia (PNBC) to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and on the Force Physical Imprisonment in Criminal Cases.

Feb. 28, 1992

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/745 authorizing the deployment of about 22,000 UN troops, police officers and civilian administrators into Cambodia to oversee the Paris agreement. The force, called the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), would be one of the largest ever deployed by the UN; its cost is estimated at about $2 billion.

March 11-16, 1992

The first UN troops arrived in Cambodia and began implementation of the Paris Accord.

March 30, 1992

UN began repatriating refugees. The first 630 of 370,000 displaced Cambodians in Site 2 camp are repatriated, under the protection of UN troops.

April 1, 1992

US Pres. Bush signs resolution H.J. Res. 456, among others, providing fund of $270 million to finance special United Nations peacekeeping activities in Cambodia, El Salvador, Yugoslavia, and other countries.

April 23, 1992

Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement On The Network Of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific .

May 26, 1992

Cambodia ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights .

June 1992

Khmer Rouge refused to disarm as required by the phase two of Paris Accord, refused to allow UN peacekeeping troops to inspect the territory they controlled, and began sporadic attacks in the countryside.

June 12, 1992

Supreme National Council of Cambodia set up Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC).

June 22, 1992

Reconstruction aid pledge. An international donor meeting in Tokyo pledged US$880 million in rehabilitation aid for Cambodia; the Khmer Rouge was rebuked for noncompliance with Phase two of the Paris Agreement.

July 1, 1992

US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Japanese PM Kiichi Miyazawa, welcoming the passage of Japan’s peace cooperation bill, which allow Japan to participate actively in building a lasting peace in Cambodia and in other world trouble spots.

July 7, 1992

Munich Economic Summit Political Declaration, “We are seriously concerned at the present situation in Cambodia and urge all parties concerned to support UNTAC and uphold the still fragile peace process to bring it to a successful conclusion.”

July 14-15, 1992

Khmer Rouge escalated its military attacks by seizing six villages, shelling Kompong Thom province and attacking UN helicopters.

July 21, 1992

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/766 demanding the Khmer Rouge to comply with phase II of Paris Accord. The Khmer Rouge has refused to lay down their arms and allows the deployment of UNTAC to the areas under their control.

July 24, 1992

US Pres. Bush addresses the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, “Our years of trying to seek cooperation from Cambodia and the Soviets were not rewarded until just recently. The U.N.-sponsored settlement plan in Cambodia…….have opened the way for unprecedented access. We will push hard to translate this access into answers.”

July 28, 1992

US Rep. Solarz introduces H.R.5708 a bill to establish an Office of Cambodian Genocide Investigation.

Aug. 13, 1992

Election process began. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Cambodia, Yasushi Akashi, signed the UNTAC Electoral Law, the blueprint for Cambodia’s first multiparty election in decades.

Aug. 25, 1992

Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement Establishing the International Fund for Agricultural Development .

Aug. 27, 1992

SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on the Supervision of Financial Institutions.

Sept. 2, 1992

Cambodian govt. released 70 prisoners after UN human rights workers determined that they had been detained without trial. Some had been imprisoned for as long as ten years.

Sept. 10, 1992

The Supreme National Council (SNC) adopted provision relating to the judiciary, and criminal law and procedure applicable in Cambodia during the transitional period.  [Text of the provisions]

Sept. 22, 1992

The Supreme National Council (SNC) set a moratorium on the export of logs from Cambodia in order to protect Cambodia’s natural resources; requests states, especially neighboring states, to respect the moratorium by not importing such logs; and request UNTAC to take appropriate measures to secure the implementation of the moratorium.

Sept. 25, 1992

US Pres.’s message to the Congress reporting on the National Emergency with respect to Export Control Regulations, “At the beginning of the year, I announced the lifting of the US embargo against Cambodia in response to the United Nations-directed comprehensive political settlement of the decades-long Cambodian conflict. In April the Commerce Department issued a rule removing Cambodia from the list of embargoed countries and revising licensing policies and procedures affecting Cambodia and Laos to allow these countries to receive general license treatment for exports and re-exports of many items.”

Oct. 5, 1992

Voter registration began in Phnom Penh and throughout the provinces over the following three months which eventually 4,764,430 voters were registered.

Oct. 13, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/783 reiterating its demand for the Khmer Rouge to comply fully with phase II of Paris Accord. The Council also demands all Cambodian parties to respect for the cease-fire, help UNTAC to identify minefields, refrain from enlarging the territory under their control, and facilitate UNTAC in investigating reports of foreign forces in Cambodia.

Oct. 15, 1992
Cambodia ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment , Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women , Convention on the Rights of the Child , and Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol .

Nov. 30, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/792 imposing a trade embargo on the areas under the Khmer Rouge’s control. The Council orders an end to all oil deliveries to the Khmer Rouge and orders Thailand to stop allowing the export through Thai territory of timber and gems, which is the Khmer Rouge’s prime source of revenue. The move is a response to the Khmer Rouge’s refusal to comply with the phase II of Paris Accord signed in Oct. 1991.

Dec. 2-4, 1992
Khmer Rouge captured six UN soldiers on Dec. 2 and accused them of spying. According to UNTAC, the six had been traveling unarmed near the town of Kompong Thom in observing troop movements as part of their peacekeeping mission. All are released on Dec. 4.

Dec. 19, 1992

Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Basic Agreement in the Field of Rubber.

Dec. 22, 1992

UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/209 concerning the financing of UNTAC.

Dec. 28, 1992
Khieu Samphan, the Khmer Rouge’s leader, warned that UN personnel would be taken captive if they attempt to monitor UN sanctions, which was imposed on the Khmer Rouge by the UN Security Council on Nov. 30.

1993 Chronology Of Cambodian History

Jan. 4, 1993

Citing an increasing political violence against FUNCINPEC and failure of UNTAC to curtail it, Prince Sihanouk, chairman of Supreme National Council, informed UNTAC in letter that he is withdrawing from the peace process; ceasing from cooperation with UNTAC and the State of Cambodia.

Jan. 11, 1993

UNTAC announced the creation of a special prosecutor’s office to bring to justice those guilty of political killings. A multinational team of civilian police officers that operate under UNTAC’s auspices had an arrest power.

Jan. 26, 1993

Khmer Rouge issued a statement in Phnom Penh that it would not participate in the peace process unless it is provided a share of power and guarantees that all Vietnamese had left Cambodia.

Jan. 28, 1993

General election announced. The Supreme National Council and UNTAC representatives announced that general elections for a 120-seat National Assembly in Cambodia would be held in May.

Jan. 29, 1993

The RGC launched a large-scale military offensive against Khmer Rouge in north-central and western Cambodia.

Feb. 11, 1993

French Pres. Francois Mitterrand began a two-day visit to Cambodia, a former French colony. His visit was the first by a French leader since Charles de Gaulle’s sojourn in 1966. Mitterrand urged all Cambodian factions to honor the UN-sponsored peace process. The two countries also signed a few agreement: (1) Protocol of Agreement concerning technical assistance to the Calmette hospital. Protocol of agreement on technical assistance to the mixed faculty of medicine, pharmacy and odontostomatology.

Feb. 27, 1993

A UN chief administrator in Cambodia Gerard Porcell resigned citing the UN’s failure to curtail the violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by the Khmer Rouge and the State of Cambodia.

March 1, 1993

UN officials revealed that they had identified three former Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia who qualified as foreign forces under the 1991 peace accords and should be deported. All three had entered Cambodia during Vietnam’s invasion in 1978, and had become Cambodian citizen after marrying local women.

March 8, 1993

UN Security Council formally endorsed the forthcoming elections in Cambodia, although the Khmer Rouge’s refusal to participate.

March 28, 1993

More Than 2000 ethnic Vietnamese fled by boat down the Tonle Sap River toward Vietnam after a series of brutal attacks, which Khmer Rouge was widely suspected of perpetrating the attacks. Khmer Rouge vocally denounced the presence of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese in Cambodia.

April 3, 1993

Khieu Samphan, in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review, dismisses the forthcoming elections as a Western plot to destroy the Khmer Rouge, and called for an establishment of a national reconciliation govt. that include the Khmer Rouge without the election.

April 6, 1993

US Defense Dept. said that it was recalling its 48-member team searching for US servicemen missing in action in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. The Dept. said the team had come under Khmer Rouge’s attacks.

April 8, 1993

Atsuhito Nakata, a Japanese UN electoral observer, and his Cambodian interpreter are gunned down. About UN 40 volunteers resign after the killing.

April 13, 1993
The Khmer Rouge close their offices in Phnom Penh and withdrew from the capital. Khieu Samphan said in a letter that Khmer Rouge officials fear for their safety because of deteriorating security in the capital.

May 2, 1993

Thailand’s Interior Ministry had proposed reopening its border with Cambodia to allow the importation of timbers. The border was closed after the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on the Khmer Rouge in Nov. 1992 for its failure to comply Phase II of Paris Accord.

May 3, 1993

More than 200 Khmer Rouge raid the provincial capital of Siem Reap and occupy the airport for about two hours before they are driven off by the govt. troops.

May 23-28, 1993

General elections are held under the auspices of UNTAC.

June 10, 1993

Constituent Assembly. UNTAC releases the final tally of the May election showing that FUNCINPEC received 1.82 million votes or 45.5%; CPP 1.53 million votes or 38.2%; BLDP 152,764 votes or 3.8%; and the remaining votes divided among the other 17 political parties. In the 120-seat assembly, FUNCINPEC would get 58 seats; CPP 51; BLDP 10 and Moulinaka 1.

June 12, 1993

Secession attempt. Prince Norodom Chakrapong, an incumbent deputy prime minister in Hun Sen’s govt., declares the establishment of an autonomous zone (Kompong Cham, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng province). He said he is acting in the name of his father in rejecting the validity of the May election results; however, some observers speculated that the Prince’s move is a ploy backed by Hun Sen to press Prince Ranariddh to accept the CPP as a coalition partner.

June 13, 1993

Prince Ranariddh instructs his 5000-strong army to ready itself for battle against the secessionist forces of Prince Chakrapong, who is his half-brother.

June 14, 1993

The Constituent Assembly convenes for the first time and grants Prince Sihanouk all powers for Head of State to govern the nation. The Assembly also declares the 1970 coup, which ousted Prince Sihanouk from power, as illegal. Following the Assembly vote, the State of Cambodia renounces all state powers.

A spokesman reject any involves of govt. with the secession attempt by Prince Chakrapong and insists he acts on his own. Meanwhile, Hun Sen flies to Kampong Cham and after conferring with local authorities, he informs the UNTAC chief Yasushi Akshi that he had been able to defuse secessionist moves and that the provinces remain under govt. control.

June 18, 1993

FUNCINPEC and CPP agree to share power in an interim govt., ending their post-electoral maneuvering. The agreement calls for Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen to be co-presidents and division of cabinet posts equally. Two smaller parties, the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Part and Moulinaka, are also to be represented in the interim govt., which to govern until the Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution.

Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen agrees that Prince Sihanouk would serve as the interim supreme commander of the Cambodian armed forces, which composed of the former armies of the State of Cambodia, FUNCINPEC and the BLDP.

Aug. 17, 1993

An ad hoc Commission, which was created by the Constituent Assembly on June 14, produced a draft Constitution.

Aug. 18-20, 1993

In responding to a series of Khmer Rouge attacks, govt. launches a three-day offensive against the rebel bases in northwest Cambodia, involving some 6000 troops. Govt. troops overrun Khmer Rouge’s base at Kouk Krasbas on Aug. 19 and capture some 200 rebels and an array of weapons. And Phnom Chat, major Khmer Rouge arms depot, captured on Aug. 20.

Sept. 9, 1993

The International Committee for the Reconstruction of Cambodia ends its two-day meeting in Paris with a pledge of $119 million in additional financial aid to Cambodia.

Sept. 21, 1993

The Constituent Assembly votes 113 to 5, with two abstentions, to adopt a new constitution (Cambodia’s sixth constitution since independence in 1953). The country officially renames to Kingdom of Cambodia.

Sept. 24, 1993

The newly adopted constitution is promulgated. On the same day, Prince Norodom Sihanouk is reinstated as Cambodia’s king (constitutional sovereign).

Sept. 26, 1993

UNTAC ends its most ambitious peacekeeping mission in Cambodia; the mission last 18 months and $1.7 billion, the most expensive mission ever conduct by the UN.