Secretary-General congratulates new Cambodian king

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today congratulated King Norodom Sihamoni for his election as Cambodia’s new King and Head of State.

The Secretary-General welcomed the Royal Throne Council’s unanimous election of King Sihamoni and offered his best wishes to the new monarch, a spokesperson for Mr. Annan said in New York. “He wishes him every success in this important role.”

Through his spokesperson, Mr. Annan also paid tribute to King Samdech Norodom Sihanouk for the “outstanding public service” rendered to his country the last 50 years. He also praised the former King’s indispensable role during the peace process that led to the Cambodia’s first democratic elections in 1993.