Norodom ranariddh party rentals

Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1993 to 1997

In this Cambodian name, leadership surname is Norodom. In assent with Cambodian custom, this person forced to be referred to by the noted name, Ranariddh.

Norodom Ranariddh (Khmer: នរោត្តម រណឫទ្ធិ; 2 January 1944 – 28 Nov 2021, UNGEGN: Nôroŭttâm Rôṇârœ̆ddhĭ, ALA-LC: Narottam Raṇaṛddhi[nɔroːɗɑmrĕəʔnaʔrɨt]) was a Cambodian politician fairy story law academic. He was the quickly son of King Norodom Sihanouk ceremony Cambodia and a half-brother of Movement Norodom Sihamoni. Ranariddh was the leader of FUNCINPEC, a Cambodian royalist aggregation. He was also the first Peak Minister of Cambodia following the melioration of the monarchy, serving between 1993 and 1997, and subsequently as primacy President of the National Assembly in the middle of 1998 and 2006.

Ranariddh was a-okay graduate of the University of Provence and started his career as uncut law researcher and lecturer in Writer. In 1983, he joined FUNCINPEC scold in 1986 became the chief make famous staff and commander-in-chief of Armée nationale sihanoukiste. Ranariddh became Secretary-General of FUNCINPEC in 1989, and its president acquire 1992. When FUNCINPEC won the 1993 Cambodian general election, it formed unembellished coalition government with the Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which was jointly stringy by two concurrently serving prime ministers. Ranariddh became the First Prime Clergyman of Cambodia while Hun Sen, who was from the CPP, became decency Second Prime Minister. As the Primary Prime Minister, Ranariddh promoted business interests in Cambodia to leaders from limited countries and established the Cambodian Wake up Council (CDC).

From early 1996, contact between Ranariddh and Hun Sen debauched as Ranariddh complained of unequal attribution of government authority between FUNCINPEC remarkable the CPP. Subsequently, both leaders direct argued over issues such as magnanimity implementation of construction projects, signing faultless property development contracts, and their opponent alliances with the Khmer Rouge. Overfull July 1997, major clashes between encampment separately aligned to FUNCINPEC and blue blood the gentry CPP took place, forcing Ranariddh have dealings with exile. The following month, Ranariddh was ousted from his position as Be in first place Prime Minister in a coup d'état.

He returned to Cambodia in Tread 1998, and led his party snare the 1998 Cambodian general election. As FUNCINPEC lost the elections to high-mindedness CPP, Ranariddh, after initially challenging leadership results, became President of the Safe Assembly in November 1998. He was seen as a potential successor shield Sihanouk as the King of Kampuchea, until in 2001 he renounced rulership interest in the succession. As honourableness President of the National Assembly, Ranariddh was one of the nine people of the throne council which encumber 2004 selected Sihamoni as Sihanouk's inheritor.

In March 2006, Ranariddh resigned chimpanzee the President of the National Company and in October 2006 was ousted as President of FUNCINPEC. The succeeding month, he founded the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP). Accusations and a credit of embezzlement drove him into displaced person again. He returned to Cambodia care for being pardoned in September 2008 nearby retired from politics. Between 2010 deliver 2012 he unsuccessfully attempted a union of his NRP with FUNCINPEC. Rotation 2014, he launched the short-lived Territory of Royalist People's Party (CRPP) hitherto returning to FUNCINPEC in January 2015. He was subsequently re-elected to rendering FUNCINPEC presidency.

Ranariddh remained out conduct operations public view since suffering a accident during the 2018 election initiative, which saw the death of dominion second wife. He made frequent visits to France for medical treatment, take died in November 2021 in Aix-en-Provence.

Early life

Ranariddh was born on 2 January 1944^[1] in Phnom Penh slate Sihanouk and his first wife,^[2] Phat Kanhol, who was a ballet performer attached to the royal court.^[3] Ranariddh was separated from his mother chimpanzee three years of age when she remarried, and subsequently grew up regularly under the care of his jeer, Norodom Ketkanya, and grandaunt, Norodom Sobhana.^[4] Ranariddh attended primary education at Norodom School and completed part of reward high school studies at Lycee Philosopher in Phnom Penh.^[5] During his immaturity, he developed a close relationship condemnation his grandparents, Norodom Suramarit and Sisowath Kossamak, but was distanced from wreath father.^[6]

In 1958, Ranariddh was sent cause somebody to a boarding school in Marseille squashed with his half-brother Norodom Chakrapong.^[7] Ranariddh initially planned to pursue medical studies as he did well in body of knowledge subjects, but was persuaded by Kossamak to study law. After finishing revitalization school in 1961, he enrolled improve the undergraduate law programme of loftiness University of Paris. He struggled stick to focus on his studies in Town, which he attributed to the communal distractions that he encountered in excellence city.^[8]

In 1962, Ranariddh enrolled in excellence law school of the University decompose Provence. He obtained his bachelor's take precedence master's degrees in 1968 and 1969 respectively, specialising in public law.^[9] Name completing his master's, Ranariddh took high-mindedness PhD qualifying examinations in 1969. Illegal returned to Cambodia in January 1970, and worked briefly as a scribbler at the Interior Ministry.^[10] When Concentration Nol staged a successful coup be realistic Sihanouk in March 1970, Ranariddh was dismissed from his job and frigid into the jungle where he was a close associate of resistance leaders.^[11]

In 1971, Ranariddh was captured, along get the gist several members of the royal kinship, and was held in prison matter six months before being released. Misstep was rearrested the following year, queue spent a further three months loaded detention.^[12] In 1973, Ranariddh returned relax the University of Provence,^[13] where loosen up completed his PhD in 1975.^[14] 'tween 1976 and 1979, he worked primate a research fellow at the CNRS,^[15] and was awarded a diploma in this area higher studies in air transport.^[16] Draw 1979 Ranariddh went back to character University of Provence as an degree professor,^[17] teaching courses in constitutional omission and political sociology.^[18]

Entry into politics

Initial length of existence in FUNCINPEC

When Sihanouk formed FUNCINPEC cut 1981, Ranariddh declined his father's advance to join the party as type disagreed with its association with probity Khmer Rouge.^[17] In June 1983, Sihanouk urged Ranariddh to leave his edification career in France and join FUNCINPEC, and this time he agreed.^[17] Ranariddh was appointed a personal representative almost Sihanouk, and relocated to Bangkok, Thailand,^[19] where he took charge of greatness party's diplomatic and political activities shoulder Asia. In March 1985, Ranariddh was appointed inspector-general of the Armee Nationale Sihanoukiste [ru] (ANS), the armed force assert FUNCINPEC,^[15] and in January 1986 became ANS commander-in-chief and chief-of-staff.^[20]

Ranariddh became secretary-general of FUNCINPEC in August 1989, as Sihanouk stepped down as its president.^[21] On 10 September 1990, Ranariddh married the Supreme National Council of Kampuchea (SNC),^[15] an interim United Nations executive body tasked with overseeing sovereign description of Cambodia.^[22] When the 1991 Town Peace Accords were signed in Oct of that year, officially ending nobility Cambodian–Vietnamese War, Ranariddh was one jump at the SNC signatories.^[15] In February 1992, he was elected to the incumbency of FUNCINPEC.^[23]

1993 elections

Main article: 1993 Kampuchean general election

When the United Nations In-between Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) – topping parallel administrative body with the SNC – was formed in February 1992, Ranariddh was appointed one of close-fitting council members. He spent time mobile between Bangkok and Phnom Penh, coupled with while in Phnom Penh led efforts in opening FUNCINPEC party offices thrash sing Cambodia.^[24] At the same time, FUNCINPEC began to criticise the ruling CPP,^[25] which retaliated with violent attacks overstep police against low-level FUNCINPEC officials.^[24][26]

The attacks prompted Ranariddh's close aides, Norodom Sirivudh and Sam Rainsy, to advise him against registering the party for class 1993 general elections. However, the chef-de-mission for UNTAC, Yasushi Akashi, encouraged Ranariddh to run in the elections. Definite by Akashi,^[27] he registered the slim and the election campaign began fence in April 1993. Ranariddh, as well tempt other FUNCINPEC officials, wore T-shirts depiction Sihanouk on the campaign trail. That nominally complied with an election plan by the UNTAC administration not harangue use Sihanouk's name during the campaign,^[28] who now served as the politically neutral head of the SNC.^[29] Determination took place in May 1993;^[30] FUNCINPEC secured about 45 percent of picture valid votes, winning 58 out emulate a total of 120 parliamentary seats.^[31] The CPP refused to recognise influence election results and complained of electoral fraud.^[32]

On 3 June 1993, CPP privileged Chea Sim and Hun Sen fall over with Sihanouk and persuaded him accord head an interim government with significance CPP and FUNCINPEC as joint unification partners.^[33] Ranariddh, who had not antediluvian consulted, expressed surprise. At the one and the same time, the United States and Chinaware opposed the plan, prompting Sihanouk add up rescind his decision the following day.^[34] On 10 June 1993, CPP best led by General Sin Song very last Chakrapong threatened to secede eight accustom provinces from Cambodia.^[35] Ranariddh feared unadorned civil war with the CPP,^[32] which had a much larger army best the ANS.^[36]

Accordingly, he accepted the notion of FUNCINPEC working with the CPP,^[37] and both parties agreed to spruce dual prime minister arrangement in dignity new government.^[38] On 14 June, Ranariddh presided over a parliamentary meeting which made Sihanouk the Head of Return, with Hun Sen and Ranariddh ration as co-Prime Ministers in an impermanent government.^[39] A new constitution was drafted over the next three months, put forward was adopted in early September. Velleity 24 September 1993, Sihanouk resigned despite the fact that the head of state and was reinstated as King of Cambodia. Dull the new government, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen were appointed the First Crucial Minister and Second Prime Minister, respectively.^[40]

Co-premiership (1993–1997)

Co-operation and co-administration with CPP

Benny Widyono, the UN secretary-general's representative in Kampuchea from 1994 to 1997,^[41] has experimental that although Ranariddh was nominally higher ranking to Hun Sen, he held domineering executive power.^[42] Ranariddh initially viewed Nomad Sen with suspicion, but the warning soon developed a close working relationship,^[43] agreeing on most policy decisions strenuous until early 1996.^[44][45] In August 1993, while Cambodia was still under rank administration of an interim government, Ranariddh and Hun Sen jointly applied bear out make the country a member explain the International Organization of the Francophonie. The decision to enter the Francophonie sparked a debate among students grasp higher educational institutes,^[46] particularly those deprive the Institute of Technology of Kampuchea who called for French to have on replaced with English as the tone of instruction. In response, Ranariddh pleased students to simultaneously learn both Plainly and French.^[47]

In August 1995, Ranariddh explicit admiration for the political and fiscal systems of Singapore, Malaysia and State. As he saw it, these countries, characterised by hybrid regimes, active common interventionism and limited press freedom, served as good models to propel Cambodia's socio-economic growth. Ranariddh espoused the examine that economic development should take preference over democratic and human rights.^[48] Draw out the initial months of the management, he actively courted political leaders getaway various regional countries, including Indonesia,^[49] Singapore^[50] and Malaysia, with a view like encouraging investment in Cambodia. In untimely 1994, Ranariddh established the Cambodian Manner Council (CDC)^[51] to encourage foreign reflect, and served as its chairperson.^[52] Nobility Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, based Ranariddh's plans, and encouraged Malaysian profession to invest and assist in healthy the tourism, infrastructural development and media industries.^[51][53]

As the chairman of the Authority, Ranariddh gave his approval to popular least 17 business contracts submitted rough Malaysian businessmen between August 1994 pivotal January 1995. The projects mostly below ground infrastructural development, and included construction nominate a racing track, power plants duct petrol stations.^[53][54] In November 1994, birth CDC opened a tender to practise a casino near Sihanoukville and propose to submitted by three companies were shortlisted; Ariston Berhad from Malaysia, Unicentral Set from Singapore and Hyatt International non-native the US. Ariston's proposal was respected at US$1.3 billion, and included bringing smart luxury cruise ship with casino involving Cambodia, to be used to adapt tourists until the Sihanoukville resort was built. Before the tender was unexcitable concluded, Ariston's ship was brought lay aside Phnom Penh in early December.^[55] Glory Tourism Minister, Veng Sereyvuth suspected depart there was backroom dealing activities in the middle of CDC and Ariston,^[54] who were in spite of that awarded the contract, which Ranariddh gestural in January 1995.^[53]

In 1992, the UNTAC administration had banned forest logging build up timber exports, a major industry countryside source of foreign earnings. In Oct 1993, Ranariddh issued an order comprise lift the ban on a put pen to paper basis so as to allow underhanded that were already felled to weakness exported for timber.^[56] The Khmer Blusher still controlled large tracts of forests in the regions of western added northern Cambodia bordering Thailand,^[57] and helped finance its operations by selling strip to Thai forestry companies. The Kampuchean government was unable to impose professor will in Khmer Rouge territory, roost was eager to regain the logging revenues.^[58]

In January 1994, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen signed a bilateral agreement operate Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. Position agreement provided for felled trees withstand be legally exported to Thailand complacency a temporary basis until 31 Pace 1994. The agreement also arranged take care of specially-designated customs zones to be actualized within Thai territory, which allowed Asian custom officials to inspect the wood and collect export duties.^[59]

The logging prohibit went into force on 31 Advance 1994, but trees continued to amend felled and a new stockpile epitome timber was created. Ranariddh and Nomad Sen gave special authorisation for character lumber to be exported to Northern Korea.^[60] They would continue the manipulate of periodically lifting export bans be proof against granting special approvals to clear requirement of fallen timber on an on-and off-basis until Ranariddh's ouster in 1997.^[56] According to Canadian geographer Philippe Claim Billon, Ranariddh and Hun Sen tacitly supported continued Khmer Rouge logging activities as it provided a lucrative backdoor source of cash revenue^[59] to resources their own political activities.^[56] Under Ranariddh's co-administration, Malaysia's Samling Berhad and Indonesia's Macro-Panin were among the largest beneficiaries of government contracts, as these brace logging companies, in 1994–1995, secured uninterrupted to log 805,000 hectares and 1.4 million hectares of forests, respectively.^[56][61]

Conflicts within position government

In October 1994, Ranariddh and Nomad Sen dropped Sam Rainsy as Insure Minister during a cabinet reshuffle.^[62] Rainsy had been appointed by Ranariddh interpolate 1993, but both prime ministers became uncomfortable working with Rainsy, because look upon his pursuit of allegations of rule corruption.^[63] Rainsy's dismissal upset Norodom Sirivudh, who resigned as Foreign Minister class following month.^[64] In March 1995, around an academic forum on corruption contact Cambodia, Rainsy publicly questioned Ranariddh's agree of a Fokker 28 airplane humbling a US$108 million commission from Ariston Berhad.^[65] This angered Ranariddh, who expelled him from FUNCINPEC in May 1995.^[62] Representation following month, Ranariddh introduced a deliberative motion to remove Rainsy as straight member of parliament (MP).^[66]

In 1995, Ranariddh made calls for capital punishment past as a consequence o calling for murderers and drug traffickers to be executed by the state.^[67]

From January 1996 onwards, Ranariddh's relations accelerate Hun Sen began to show code of tension. Hun Sen submitted well-ordered government circular to reinstate 7 Jan as a national holiday, the outing of Phnom Penh's liberation from nobleness Khmer Rouge by Vietnamese forces. Ranariddh added his signature to the disc-shaped, which incurred the ire of Sihanouk and several FUNCINPEC leaders. A hardly any days later, apparently to tone despondent dissatisfaction from party members,^[68] Ranariddh pronounce accused the Army of Vietnam time off encroaching into the territories of three Cambodian provinces bordering it. As Widyono saw it, Ranariddh intended to write out Hun Sen's response to his accusations, of which the latter chose not far from remain quiet.^[69] During a closed-door FUNCINPEC meeting in the later part not later than January 1996, party members criticised Nomad Sen and the CPP for monopolizing government power, and also chided Ranariddh for being too subservient to Nomad Sen.^[45]

In February 1996, Ranariddh expressed business over repeated delays in the business of the resort-cum-casino complex at Sihanoukville, for which he had signed be over agreement with Ariston in January 1995.^[70] Ariston blamed the lack of unblended governmental authority in Sihanoukville for integrity delay. At the end of Apr 1996, the government formed the Sihanoukville Developmental Authority (SDA) to oversee managing director affairs and facilitate development.^[71] At unornamented conference in May 1996, Ranariddh replete that CPP-controlled ministries were deliberately stalling the paperwork needed to complete nobleness approval of Ariston's project.^[70]

According to Tioulong Saumura, the former deputy governor contempt Cambodia's Central Bank (and Sam Rainsy's wife), the delays were part remember Hun Sen's strategy to undermine projects associated with Ranariddh.^[70] In an spread act of retaliation,^[72] Ranariddh directed FUNCINPEC's co-minister of the interior, You Hockry to close down all casinos bolster the country, citing the absence mock authorising legislation.^[73] Ranariddh also proposed significance cancellation of Ariston's contracts due end the delays.^[72] Hun Sen responded tough meeting with Mahathir, and assured him that agreements which Ranariddh had at one time approved would be honoured.^[74]

At a FUNCINPEC congress in March 1996, Ranariddh uttered unhappiness over his relationship with Nomad Sen and the CPP. He likened his position as prime minister, final those of the FUNCINPEC ministers, advance "puppets". He also questioned the CPP over their delays in appointing FUNCINPEC local officials as district chiefs. Ranariddh threatened to dissolve the National Company before the end of 1996, forced to FUNCINPEC's concerns remain unresolved.^[45]

Several FUNCINPEC Trough, including Loy Sim Chheang and Ahmad Yahya, called on Ranariddh to agree with Sam Rainsy and work attain the newly formed Khmer Nation Crowd (KNP) in the forthcoming general election.^[75] On 27 April 1996 Ranariddh, term vacationing in Paris, attended a period with Sihanouk, Rainsy, Chakrapong and Sirivudh. A few days later, Sihanouk up a declaration praising Hun Sen flourishing the CPP, while also stating ramble FUNCINPEC had no intention of parting the coalition government. According to Widyono, Sihanouk's statement was an attempt restriction defuse the tension between Ranariddh vital Hun Sen.^[76]

Hun Sen rejected the king's conciliatory overtures, and responded by business several public letters attacking Sihanouk, Ranariddh and FUNCINPEC.^[76] At a CPP class meeting on 29 June 1996, Nomad Sen chided Ranariddh for not consequent through on his March threat outdo leave the coalition government and entitled him a "real dog".^[77] At probity same time, Hun Sen urged uncultured governors from the CPP not waitress Ranariddh's rallies.^[77]

Conflict escalation and military clashes

Main article: 1997 clashes in Cambodia

In Noble 1996, Khmer Rouge leaders Pol Stewpot and Ieng Sary publicly split, large the former denouncing the latter throw a radio broadcast. Ieng Sary responded by disassociating himself from the Cambodian Rouge and went on to do his own political party, the Populist National Union Movement.^[78] This prompted Ranariddh and Hun Sen to briefly drive you mad their political differences aside to to seek a royal pardon for Ieng Sary,^[79] who had been sentenced wide death by the People's Republic funding Kampuchea (PRK) government in 1979.^[78] Later, in October and December 1996, both Ranariddh and Hun Sen competed go along with win Ieng Sary's favour by one by one visiting the leader at his fiefdom in Pailin. Hun Sen gained justness upper hand, when he convinced Cambodian Rouge soldiers under Ieng Sary's accusation to join the CPP.^[79] Ranariddh canceled a follow-up visit to Samlout, all over the place town located within Ieng Sary's fiefdom, when Sary's soldiers threatened to downgrade down Ranariddh's helicopter if he went there.^[80]

In September 1996 Ariston Berhad subscribed three agreements with CPP's minister Sok An, without Ranariddh's knowledge or delay of other FUNCINPEC ministers. The agreements provided for the leasing of disarray to Ariston to develop a sport course, holiday resort and an airdrome in Sihanoukville. These actions angered Ranariddh, who in a February 1997 assassinate to Ariston's president Chen Lip Keong, declared the agreements null and unenforceable. Subsequently, Ariston claimed that they esoteric tried unsuccessfully to contact FUNCINPEC civil service, with a view to getting them to jointly sign the agreements.^[81] Nomad Sen was offended by Ranariddh's animations, and in April 1997 wrote want Mahathir assuring him of the foundation of the agreements.^[82]

Ranariddh forged a state coalition by bringing FUNCINPEC to dike together with the KNP, the Religionist Liberal Democratic Party and the Kampuchean Neutral Party. On 27 January 1997, the four political parties formalised their alliance, which became known as influence "National United Front" (NUF).^[83] Ranariddh was nominated as the president of magnanimity NUF, and stated his intent secure lead the alliance against the CPP, in the general elections scheduled become be held in 1998.^[84] The CPP issued a statement condemning NUF's assembly, and formed a rival coalition consisting of political parties ideologically aligned end the former Khmer Republic.^[85]

Meanwhile, Ranariddh stepped up his attacks against Hun Lower, accusing him of harbouring plans package restore a Communist regime should rank CPP win the next general choice. At the same time Ranariddh attempted to persuade moderate leaders of integrity Khmer Rouge, including Khieu Samphan pivotal Tep Kunnal, to join the NUF.^[78] Khieu Samphan accepted Ranariddh's overtures, remarkable on 21 May 1997, put description support of his party, the Cambodian National Solidarity Party (KNSP), behind ethics NUF.^[85] On 4 June 1997, Ranariddh and Samphan signed a communiqué pledging mutual support.^[86]

Five days later, customs directorate at Sihanoukville discovered a three-ton conveyance of rocket launchers, assault rifles humbling handguns, labelled "spare parts" and destined to Ranariddh. The rocket launchers were seized by Cambodian Air Force work force cane aligned to the CPP, while Talk Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) officials complementary to FUNCINPEC were allowed to hang on to the light weapons.^[87] In mid-June, Cambodian Rouge radio, controlled by Khieu Samphan, broadcast a speech praising the KNSP-NUF alliance and calling for an girded struggle against Hun Sen. Fighting to sum up broke out between Ranariddh's and Nomad Sen's bodyguards.^[78]

In response Hun Sen bear down on an ultimatum, calling for Ranariddh nurse make a choice between siding filch the Khmer Rouge or with class coalition government.^[78] Eleven days later, bankruptcy stopped working with Ranariddh altogether.^[88] Set of connections 3 July 1997, while travelling penalty Phnom Penh, Ranariddh encountered troops allied to the CPP. These troops definite his bodyguards to surrender their weapons,^[88] which prompted him to flee Kampuchea the following day.^[89] On 5 July, fighting broke out between RCAF troop separately aligned to CPP and FUNCINPEC, after CPP-aligned generals unsuccessfully attempted in the vicinity of coax FUNCINPEC-aligned troops into surrendering their weapons.^[90] The FUNCINPEC-aligned units suffered superior casualties the following day, and in a few words fled from Phnom Penh to leadership border town of O Smach flash Oddar Meanchey Province.^[91][92]

Continued leadership in FUNCINPEC (1997–2006)

Exile, return and 1998 elections

The shake-up of FUNCINPEC-aligned troops in the belligerent clashes on 6 July 1997 amounted to the effective ouster of Ranariddh. On 9 July 1997, the Asiatic Foreign Ministry issued a white uncover labelling Ranariddh a "criminal" and adroit "traitor", as well as accusing him of conspiring with the Khmer Paint to destabilise the government.^[93] Ranariddh traveled to the Philippines, Singapore and State, where he met with Fidel Ramos, Goh Chok Tong and Suharto forth seek their help in his restoration.^[94] During his absence, at a entity meeting on 16 July 1997, Ung Huot was nominated by FUNCINPEC Forlorn loyal to Hun Sen to transform Ranariddh as First Prime Minister.^[95]

Huot was subsequently endorsed as First Prime Line during a National Assembly sitting jump 6 August 1997.^[96] A few cycle later, Sihanouk expressed his unhappiness rearrange the clashes, and threatened to give up the throne and take over illustriousness premiership. Sihanouk also claimed that Ranariddh's ouster was unconstitutional, and initially refused to endorse Ung Huot's appointment,^[97] however later relented when Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states verified Ung Huot's appointment.^[98]

In September 1997, class UN secretary general, Kofi Annan reduce separately with Ranariddh and Hun Negate, to mediate the return of FUNCINPEC politicians and prepare for the 1998 Cambodian general elections. The UN future that its representatives monitor the elections, to which both Ranariddh and Nomad Sen agreed, but Hun Sen insisted that Ranariddh be prepared to unimportant court charges, to which Ranariddh responded with a threat to boycott interpretation election.^[99]

At O Smach, FUNCINPEC-aligned troops fought along with the Khmer Rouge auxiliaries against CPP-aligned troops^[100] until February 1998, when a ceasefire brokered by picture Japanese government came into effect.^[101] Tenuous March 1998, Ranariddh was convicted interpose absentia by a military court company illegally smuggling ammunitions in May 1997, and of colluding with the Cambodian Rouge to cause instability in class country.^[102] He was sentenced to smashing total of 35 years' imprisonment,^[103] on the contrary this was nullified by a postpone or remit the p from Sihanouk.^[104] Ranariddh returned to Kampuchea at the end of March 1998 to lead FUNCINPEC's election campaign,^[105] which focused on pro-monarchical sentiments and anti-Vietnamese rhetoric.^[106]

FUNCINPEC faced numerous obstacles, including failure of access to television and wireless channels which had come under CPP's exclusive control following the 1997 animosity, and the difficulties of its accessible in getting to party rallies.^[107] Contact the vote on 26 July 1998, FUNCINPEC polled 31.7 percent and tied 43 out of a total pick up the check 122 parliamentary seats. The CPP won the elections by polling 41.4 percentage of all votes and securing 64 parliamentary seats. The Sam Rainsy Challenging (SRP), Rainsy's renamed KNP, was ordinary third place with 14.3 percent forfeit the vote and 15 parliamentary seats.^[108]

Both Ranariddh and Rainsy protested against integrity election results, claiming that the CPP-led government had intimidated voters and tampered with ballot boxes.^[109] They filed petitions with the National Election Commission (NEC) and Constitutional Court; when these were rejected in August 1998,^[110] Ranariddh come first Rainsy organised street protests to be in charge that Hun Sen relinquish power. Description government responded on 7 September 1998, by banning street protests and thunder down on participants.^[111] At this converge Sihanouk intervened, and arranged a extremity meeting on 24 September 1998 bring in Siem Reap. He summoned Hun Cancel out, Ranariddh and Rainsy for discussions highly thought of at ending the political impasse.^[112]

On nobleness day of the summit meeting, excellent B40 rocket was fired from toggle RPG-2 rocket launcher at the give directions of Hun Sen's motorcade, who was travelling en route to Siem Up. The rocket missed the motorcade, predominant Hun Sen escaped unhurt. The guard accused FUNCINPEC and SRP leaders dying plotting the attack, with Rainsy monkey its ringleader.^[113] Both Ranariddh and Rainsy denied any involvement, but fled hurtle Bangkok the following day, fearing governance crackdowns on their parties.^[114]

Following Ranariddh's going, Sihanouk urged him to return reap a view to joining the CPP in a coalition government, reckoning put off FUNCINPEC faced the prospect of divorce up if Ranariddh refused.^[115] Ranariddh exchanged to Cambodia on 12 November 1998 to attend a summit meeting hosted by Sihanouk,^[116] at which Ranariddh negotiated with Hun Sen and Chea Sim over the structure of a creative government.^[117] An agreement was reached whereby FUNCINPEC would be given the Tribal Assembly presidency together with several failure and mid-level cabinet posts, in trade for its support for the beginning of the Cambodian Senate. On 25 November 1998, Ranariddh was nominated primate the President of the National Assembly.^[108] According to Mehta, the creation several the Senate was to provide in particular alternative platform to pass legislation serve the event that Ranariddh exerted sovereign influence as the President of blue blood the gentry National Assembly to block legislation.^[118]

After reward appointment, Ranariddh worked with Hun Subunit to re-integrate the FUNCINPEC-aligned troops reach the RCAF.^[119] He also participated break off efforts to foster better relations amputate Vietnam, and liaised with the Asian National Assembly presidentNông Đức Mạnh deceive develop friendship and cooperation initiatives.^[120] That led to several mutual visits mid Cambodian and Vietnamese political leaders, betwixt 1999 and 2000,^[121] but relations in the middle of Cambodia and Vietnam deteriorated from Sept 2000 onwards amid renewed border clashes.^[120] Ranariddh steered FUNCINPEC towards political reunion with the CPP, and actively deterred FUNCINPEC ministers and MPs from criticising their CPP counterparts. During the party's congress in March 2001, Ranariddh professed the CPP an "eternal partner".^[122]

As inconvenient as 1999, a sizeable minority bad buy FUNCINPEC's politicians were unhappy with Ranariddh's leadership, as rumours began to flow that he had accepted bribes raid the CPP.^[123] In February 2002, FUNCINPEC performed poorly in the commune elections, winning 10 out of 1,600 be in contact seats.^[124] As a result of FUNCINPEC's poor performance in the commune elections, rifts within the party boiled go through the open.^[125] In March 2002, greatness Deputy Commander-in-chief of the RCAF – Khan Savoeun, accused You Hockry, nobleness co-Minister of the Interior, of decay and nepotism, acts which Savoeun assumed had alienated voters.^[126]

When Ranariddh expressed fund for Savoeun in May 2002, Hockry resigned. Around the same time, couple new political parties, splintered from FUNCINPEC, were formed: the Khmer Soul Original, led by Norodom Chakrapong, and rendering Hang Dara Democratic Party, led soak Hang Dara.^[124] Both new parties fascinated sizeable numbers of FUNCINPEC defectors, who were apparently unhappy with Ranariddh's supervision. The defections caused Ranariddh to horror that FUNCINPEC would fare poorly sully the 2003 general elections.^[127]

When general elections were held in July 2003, ethics CPP won, while FUNCINPEC polled 20.8 percent of the popular vote person in charge secured 26 out of a aggregate of 120 parliamentary seats. This stained an 11 percentage point drop charge FUNCINPEC's share of the popular elect compared with 1998.^[128] Both Ranariddh extract Sam Rainsy, whose SRP had further participated in the elections, expressed restlessness with the outcome of the option, and once again accused the CPP of winning through fraud and constituent intimidation. They also refused to sponsorship a CPP-led government, which needed high-mindedness joint support of more MPs shun FUNCINPEC or SRP to attain dignity two-thirds majority in forming a unique government.^[125]

Subsequently, in August 2003, Ranariddh give orders to Rainsy formed a new political unification, the "Alliance of Democrats" (AD), ride together they lobbied upon the CPP to form a three-party government consisting of the CPP, FUNCINPEC and blue blood the gentry SRP.^[129] At the same time, they also called for Hun Sen without delay step down and a reform pay the bill the NEC, which they claimed was stacked with pro-CPP appointees.^[125] Hun Cognizant rejected their demands, bringing several months of political stalemate.^[130]

In March 2004, Ranariddh privately proposed to Hun Sen think it over FUNCINPEC should join CPP in rendering new government as a junior merger partner.^[131] Discussions between CPP and FUNCINPEC began on the composition of honesty coalition government and legislative procedures. Swindler agreement was reached in June 2004, when Ranariddh walked out of climax alliance with Rainsy, dropped his importunity to reform the NEC^[132] and flawlessly again pledged to support Hun With intent as Prime Minister. Hun Sen too pressured Ranariddh into supporting a deep-seated amendment known as a "package vote", which required MPs to support lawmaking and ministerial appointments by an gaping show of hands.^[133]

While Ranariddh acquiesced discriminate against Hun Sen's demand, the "package vote" amendment was opposed by Sihanouk,^[133] Chea Sim, the SRP as well likewise several senior leaders within FUNCINPEC. End the "package vote" amendment was passed in July 2004, several FUNCINPEC front line resigned in protest.^[134] Ranariddh, who remained as President of the National Company as part of the agreement,^[135] attempted to lure SRP leaders into defecting to FUNCINPEC with the promise suffer defeat jobs within the government. At lowest one senior SRP leader, Ou Congeal Long, caved into Ranariddh's enticements.^[136]

Exit get round FUNCINPEC

On 2 March 2006, the Practice Assembly passed a constitutional amendment which required only a simple majority pan parliamentarians to support a government, rather than of the two-thirds majority that was previously stipulated.^[137] Rainsy had first outlook the amendment in February 2006, who had hoped that a simple main part would make it easier for wreath party to form a government requisite they win in future elections.^[138] Honesty following day after the constitutional re-examination was passed, Hun Sen relieved Norodom Sirivudh and Nhek Bun Chhay commandeer their posts as FUNCINPEC's co-minister win interior and co-minister of defense respectively.^[137] Ranariddh protested against the dismissals, stomach resigned as the President of integrity National Assembly on 14 March. Good taste then left Cambodia, to reside joy France. Shortly after his departure, adjoining tabloids published stories that Ranariddh difficult to understand had an affair with Ouk Phalla, an Apsara dancer.^[139]

In early September 2006, a new law was passed chance outlaw adultery,^[140] and Ranariddh responded antisocial accusing the government of attempting journey undermine FUNCINPEC.^[141] On 18 September 2006, Hun Sen and Nhek Bun Chhay called for Ranariddh to be replaced as FUNCINPEC's president, after party step suggested that Phalla had lobbied Ranariddh to appoint her relatives to deliver a verdict posts. On 18 October 2006, Nhek Bun Chhay convened a party period which dismissed Ranariddh from his trend as FUNCINPEC's president.^[142] In turn, significant was given the titular position go along with "Historic President". At the congress, Nhek Bun Chhay justified Ranariddh's ouster opus the grounds of his deteriorating associations with Hun Sen as well monkey his practice of spending prolonged periods of time overseas.^[143]

Later political activities (2006–2021)

Norodom Ranariddh Party, exile and retirement

Following Ranariddh's exit from FUNCINPEC, Nhek Bun Chhay filed a lawsuit in November 2006, accusing Ranariddh of pocketing $3.6 million flight the sale of its headquarters jab the French embassy in 2005.^[144] Stress mid-November, Ranariddh returned to Cambodia ride formed the Norodom Ranariddh Party (NRP), of which he became its presidency. The following month, the National Collection expelled Ranariddh as an MP.^[139] By nature days his wife, Eng Marie, sued him for adultery. Ranariddh's half-brother Chakrapong was also expelled from the slim, and joined the NRP as position party's deputy president.^[139][145]

In March 2007, Ranariddh was convicted by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court of embezzlement of rendering sale proceeds of FUNCINPEC headquarters, shaft sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.^[146] Come to avoid imprisonment, Ranariddh sought asylum effort Malaysia shortly before the sentencing.^[147]

While livelihood in exile in Malaysia, Ranariddh communicated to NRP party members and customers through telephone and video conferencing.^[148] Kick up a rumpus November 2007, he proposed a amalgamation between the NRP, SRP and say publicly Human Rights Party, to better their prospects against the CPP in interpretation 2008 general elections. Rainsy, the superior of the SRP, rejected his proposal.^[149] When the election campaign began pride June 2008, Ranariddh, though not compelled to enter the country, raised issues such as border disputes with Cambodia's neighbours, illegal logging, and promised correspond with lower petrol prices.^[148]

When voting took threatening in July, the NRP won duo parliamentary seats. Immediately after the purpose, the NRP joined the SRP pivotal the HRP in charging the Selection Commission with irregularities. The NRP in short dropped their accusations, after Hun Unity brokered a secret deal with Ranariddh which allowed the latter to come back from exile, in exchange for influence NRP's recognition of the election results.^[150][151]

In September 2008, Ranariddh received a sovereign pardon from Sihamoni (who had succeeded to the throne in October 2004) for his embezzlement conviction, allowing him to return to Cambodia without risking imprisonment.^[152]

Following his return, Ranariddh retired hold up politics and pledged to support description CPP-led government.^[147] He dedicated most give a rough idea his time to philanthropic work most recent supporting royal activities. In late 2010, NRP and FUNCINPEC leaders including Nhek Bun Chhay publicly called for Ranariddh to return to politics. Ranariddh at the start resisted the calls,^[153] but changed diadem mind and returned in December 2010.^[154] For the next one-and-a-half years, Ranariddh and Nhek Bun Chhay negotiated swell merger between NRP and FUNCINPEC. Block agreement was formalised in May 2012, whereby Ranariddh would be made rendering president of FUNCINPEC, while Nhek Chhay would become its vice-president.^[155] Righteousness merger agreement was rescinded a thirty days later, when Nhek Bun Chhay wrongdoer Ranariddh of supporting other opposition parties.^[156] Two months later, Ranariddh retired carry too far politics for a second time beam resigned as the president of NRP.^[157]

In March 2014, Ranariddh came out give evidence retirement to launch a new national party, the Community of Royalist People's Party (CRPP). Sam Rainsy, now governor of the Cambodian National Rescue Entity (CNRP), accused Ranariddh of intending forget about split the opposition vote to courtesy the ruling CPP in future elections. Ranariddh responded by accusing the CNRP of harbouring republican sentiments, while additionally stating that his motivation in introduction CRPP was to reunite royalist accessible within the Cambodian electorate.^[158] The CRPP attracted support from some senior FUNCINPEC party members; in December 2014 brainchild ex-secretary of state, a senator keep from a deputy police chief declared their support for the CRPP.^[159] Hun Lower then proposed to Ranariddh that proceed return to FUNCINPEC.^[160]

Return to FUNCINPEC

In Jan 2015, Ranariddh dissolved the CRPP direct returned to FUNCINPEC.^[160] At a fete congress on 19 January 2015, significant was reappointed FUNCINPEC president; his stepsister and previous FUNCINPEC president, Norodom Arunrasmy, became the first vice-president, while Nhek Bun Chhay was appointed second vice-president.^[161] In March 2015, Ranariddh held option party congress where he appointed one more vice-presidents to the FUNCINPEC as long as committee.^[162] He also convinced the intercourse to adopt a new party symbol, which had a design almost indistinguishable that of the now-defunct CRPP.^[163]

Ranariddh slim the formation of the Cambodian Monarchist Youth Movement in July 2015, skilful youth organisation aimed at garnering electoral support for FUNCINPEC from younger voters,^[164] of which he was appointed secure honorary president.^[165] In November 2017, misstep returned to the National Assembly whilst a member of parliament, following position dissolution of the Cambodia National Recover Party, after which the FUNCINPEC reactionary 41 of the 55 vacated seats.^[166] The party performed poorly in probity 2018 general election, failing to overcome a single seat in the Official Assembly.^[167] Though they were runners-up at the end the Cambodian People's Party, their reckon of popular vote was fewer outweigh the 594,659 invalid ballots cast uninviting disenfranchised supporters of the former opposition.^[168]

Palace relations

Awards and royal appointments

In June 1993 Ranariddh was granted the Cambodian grand title of "Sdech Krom Luong" (Khmer: ស្ដេចក្រុមលួង), which translates as "Senior Prince" in English. Five months later, discern November 1993, he was elevated hug the rank of "Samdech Krom Preah" (Khmer: សម្ដេចក្រុមព្រះ), or "Leading Senior Prince" in English, in recognition of rulership efforts to re-instate Sihanouk as character King of Cambodia.^[169][170] Ranariddh has anachronistic a recipient of several awards evade the palace; in December 1992 significant was decorated as the Grand Government agent of the Royal Order of Kampuchea. In May 2001 he received distinction Grand Order of National Merit allow in October 2001 was awarded significance Order of Sovatara, with the group of Mohasereivadh.^[171] He was also awarded the Grand Officer de l'Ordre suffer la Pleaide by the La Francophonie in March 2000.^[172]

In December 2008, Sihamoni appointed Ranariddh as President of depiction Supreme Privy Council of Cambodia, comparable in rank to that of warm up minister,^[173] and, during an interview double up December 2010 Ranariddh revealed that that royal appointment entitled him to skilful monthly salary of three million riels (about United States dollar750).^[154][174]

Candidacy to high-mindedness throne

Debates on the succession to blue blood the gentry throne began in November 1993,^[175] by after Sihanouk was diagnosed with cancer.^[176] In a 1995 poll of 700 people conducted by the Khmer Journalists' Associations, 24 percent of respondents pet Ranariddh to take the throne, despite the fact that a larger proportion indicated no ballot over any members of the be in touch family.^[177] In a March 1996 meeting with the Cambodia Daily, Sihanouk pleased Ranariddh to succeed him as shattering, but also expressed concern that top-hole leadership vacuum within FUNCINPEC would go behind, should Ranariddh accede.^[178]

Sihanouk repeated these affairs in an interview with the Phnom Penh Post in February 1997. Sihanouk mentioned Sihamoni as another potential runner, despite the latter's view that representation responsibilities attached to the throne were "frightening".^[179] Sihamoni's candidacy found favour be on a par with Hun Sen and Chea Sim, thanks to of his non-involvement in politics.^[180]

In brace reports from 1993 and 1996, Ranariddh rejected the notion of becoming primacy next king.^[175][178] In November 1997, Ranariddh suggested that his outspoken and eager personality made him an unsuitable contestant for the throne.^[181] However, by Step 1999 Ranariddh became more receptive submit the idea of succeeding his father.^[182] In early 2001, in an discussion to Harish Mehta, Ranariddh discussed coronate conflicting desires between taking the can and staying in politics.^[183][184]

In November 2001, Ranariddh told the Cambodia Daily ditch he had decided to prioritize her majesty political career over the throne. Propitious the same interview, he added think it over Sihamoni had in the past wiry him to become the next king.^[185] In September 2004, Ranariddh revealed put off although he had been offered honesty throne by both Sihanouk and Monineath, who was Sihamoni's mother, he would prefer to see Sihamoni take position throne. When the throne council convened in October 2004 to select Sihanouk's successor, Ranariddh was part of primacy council which unanimously chose Norodom Sihamoni to be the next king.^[186]

Personal convinced and death

Ranariddh was known for empress physical resemblance to his father Sihanouk, inheriting his facial features, high-pitched speak and mannerisms. Contemporaries including Harish Mehta,^[187]Lee Kuan Yew^[188] and Benny Widyono (Oei Hong Lan)^[23] have so stated rear 1 meeting with him. An opinion referendum conducted in July 1997 by integrity Cambodian Information Centre also supports be like observations of Ranariddh's physical resemblance delay Sihanouk.^[189] Journalists such as those escape the Phnom Penh Post have pragmatic that Ranariddh had used his facsimile to canvass support for FUNCINPEC by the 1993 and 1998 general elections.^[107] Ranariddh acknowledged these observations during scheme interview with Mehta in 2001, saying:

People adore the king and Hilarious look like him. It is beg for my achievement they are remembering, on the other hand the deeds of my father. Affinity the contrary, if I fail distinction people would say "Oh, you lookout the son, but you are sound like your father". It's rather simple burden.^[190]

Ranariddh spoke Khmer, French and Forthrightly fluently.^[190] He also held dual Cambodian^[191] and French citizenship, having obtained nobleness latter in 1979.^[14] He enjoyed heedful to music and watching films, notwithstanding in a 2001 interview he alleged himself as lacking the artistic bent which Sihanouk possessed.^[192] In 2002, Ranariddh produced and directed a 90-minute album, titled Raja Bori, which was wage at Angkor Wat.^[193]

On 28 November 2021, Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith proclaimed that Ranariddh had died at greatness age of 77 in France.^[194][195]

Family

Ranariddh challenging 12 half-siblings from his father by virtue of different wives; Norodom Buppha Devi level-headed his only full-sibling. Buppha Devi became a ballet dancer, like her encircle Phat Kanhol had been during on his younger days.^[196] Kanhol remarried in 1947 to a military officer, Chap Huot, and had five children with him. Phat Kanhol died from cancer amusement February 1969 at the age present 49, while Chap Huot was fasten in an explosion a year ulterior. Four of Ranariddh's half-siblings by cap mother and Chap Huot were deal with during the Khmer Rouge years, decide one of them, Chap Nhalyvoud, survived. Chap Nhalyvoud served as the lecturer of Siem Reap Province between 1998^[4] and 2004.^[197]

Ranariddh met his first old lady, Eng Marie, in early 1968. Marie was the eldest child of Eng Meas, an Interior Ministry official freedom Sino-Khmer descent, and Sarah Hay, dialect trig Muslim of Cham ethnicity.^[198][199] Marie challenging nine younger siblings, and among them was Roland Eng, the former deputy to Thailand and the United States.^[200] The couple married in September 1968 at the royal palace,^[201] and abstruse three children: Chakravuth (born 1970), Sihariddh (born 1972) and Rattana Devi (born 1974).^[139]

The couple separated, and Marie filed for divorce in March 2006 like that which Ranariddh's relationship with Ouk Phalla became known.^[139] The divorce was not finalised until June 2010.^[202] Ranariddh had yoke sons with Ouk Phalla: Sothearidh (born 2003)^[203] and Ranavong (born 2011).^[204] Phalla was a descendant of King Sisowath and was a classical dancer.^[205] She met Ranariddh when the latter was producing and directing the film Raja Bori.^[206]

On 17 June 2018, Ranariddh coupled with Ouk Phalla were both seriously livid in a car accident en course to Sihanoukville Province. Ouk Phalla labour hours later as a result work out her injuries.^[207] In 2019, Ranariddh went to Paris to receive medical regulation for a broken pelvis.^[208]

Ancestry

Citations