Prime Minister Hun Sen has raised the issue of alleged U.S. chemical weapons remnants found in Cambodia with the head of the United Nations.
Hun Sen met Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary General, on the sidelines of the recent Asean summit in Manila, according to a post on the premier’s Facebook page.
Guterres reportedly did not respond to the apparent Cambodian discoveries, instead choosing to discuss the U.N.’s peacekeeping operations.
A day earlier, Hun Sen met with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, who pledged to commit China to demining operations in Cambodia.
“China, a friend, promised to help clearing mines and unexploded ordinance as soon as possible and requested relevant institutions of both countries discuss the current situation and submit for reviewing and making decisions.”
Earlier this month, the United States announced it would cut of funding for demining group CMAC in Cambodia.
David Josar, embassy spokesman, said in an email that the U.S. would continue to support other Cambodian demining efforts, which it said had reached $160 million.
Li and Hun Sen also discussed opening a faster route from the capital, Phnom Penh, to the port city of Sihanoukville, according to Hun Sen.
Hun Sen Raises ‘US Chemical Weapons’ Issue With UN Secretary General
FILE: William Heidt, U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia, at a study tour about the Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC)’s Training Center in Kampong Chhnang province, on Friday, March 31, 2017. (Sun Narin/VOA Khmer)
PHNOM PENH —