Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Ex-Cambodian king dead at 89

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia -- Norodom Sihanouk, the former Cambodian king who was never far from the centre of his country's politics through a half-century of war, genocide and upheaval, has died. He was 89.

Cambodian government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said Sihanouk died of natural causes early today in Beijing.

Sihanouk saw Cambodia reel from colony to kingdom, U.S.-backed regime to Khmer Rouge killing field and foreign-occupied land to guerrilla war zone -- and finally to a fragile experiment with democracy.

Sihanouk was a feudal-style monarch beloved by his people. But he was seldom able to deliver the stability they craved through decades of violence.

He abdicated the throne in favour of his son Norodom Sihamoni in 2004.

-- The Associated Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 15, 2012 A12

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Fire destroys Manitoba Ave home, residents escape

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Two Canada geese fly Wednesday afternoon at Oak Hammock Marsh- Front bird is banded for identification- Goose Challenge Day 3- - Apr 30, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • A baby Red Panda in her area at the Zoo. International Red Panda Day is Saturday September 15th and the Assiniboine Park Zoo will be celebrating in a big way! The Zoo is home to three red pandas - Rufus, Rouge and their cub who was born on June 30 of this year. The female cub has yet to be named and the Assiniboine Park Zoo is asking the community to help. September 14, 2012  BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Do you agree with the coming ban on sales of cigarettes at health-care facilities and pharmacies, including large retail outlets?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google