Selected Quotes From Cambodian’s History

“…If by chance, the Annamese [Vietnamese] would offer any of these lands [Khmer Krom territories] to Your Majesty, I beg him not to accept them, for they belong to Cambodia.  I beg Your Majesty to have compassion for me and my people so that we may see an end to our loss rather than suffocate in this narrow kingdom.”

King Ang Duong’s letter to French Emperor Napolean III, 11/25/1856.

"Let Bygones Be Bygones"

Khieu Samphan asks Cambodian to forget the more than 1 million people who died under the Khmer Rouge rule.

“… Forests are the veins of agriculture, the life of our farmers and a source of economic growth, thus we all should collectively preserve and protect the forests and replant new trees”.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, 07/09/2003

“Our nation has had to go around begging…and out country survives…because foriegners give us all kind of assistance…”

King Norodom Sihanouk, 2003

“Widespread corruption has stunted democracy and prosperity in the country…Cambodia’s politicians have compromised the future of the nation in favor of personal gain.” 

Son Soubert, a member of the Constitutional Council, 2003

“Poverty is not God’s will but the result of corruption. The government treats you as beggars, but, in a modern country, you have rights and you are entitled to public and social services and a decent living. You need not alms but justice”. 

Sam Rainsy, SRP Leader, 2003

“When I saw the film, it was hard for me to deny (the killings). There's no more doubt left…I was surprised, because I never thought (the regime) went to that extent in its policies.”  Khieu Samphan expressed his surprise of the Khmer Rouge’s atrocity after viewing a French documentary, 2003.