Helicopters to ‘Protect’ government
As political deadlock continues, Minister of Defence Tea Banh yesterday used the unveiling of 12 Chinese-made military helicopters to announce that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces stand “ready to protect” the government and constitution, following what he called “free and fair” elections in July.
Speaking in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to Cambodia, Bu Jianguo, at a ceremony to show off the Z-9 helicopters – acquired as part of a $195 million deal with China inked in 2011 – Banh said the current one-party National Assembly had legitimacy and thus the support of the military.
“The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are ready to protect the Kingdom’s constitution and the government,” he said, adding that the elections had been conducted fairly, and China had congratulated the Cambodian People’s Party on its victory. …
The helicopters, he stated, would “strengthen the capacity for protection of sovereignty” and be used to “crack down on offences”, including cross-border smuggling. He also added that the Z-9s would help combat natural disasters. Banh also talked up relations between the two countries, pledging support to its ally’s “One China Policy”. … Also speaking at the event, Bu said she believed the helicopters would help strengthen RCAF’s capacity to provide emergency relief. … Vong Sokheng
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/helicopters-%E2%80%98protect%E2%80%99-government
