Rainsy, Sokha Draw Large Crowds in Siem Reap

SIEM REAP CITY/KOMPONG THOM CITY – Opposition leaders Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha led a parade of more than 20,000 supporters on Wednesday through the streets of Siem Reap City in what was the second-largest turnout for an opposition rally since Mr. Rainsy landed in Phnom Penh on Friday. Speaking at Phsar Leu Thom, the central market in Siem Reap City, Mr. Rainsy told the assembled masses that Khmers needed to reclaim Angkor Wat—from the Vietnamese. “We need to promote and protect the symbol of our nation—Angkor Wat temple. We need to take the Angkor Wat temple back from the Vietnamese,” he said. Under a deal with the government, ticketing at the Angkor Wat temple complex is controlled by the Sokimex group, which is headed by well-connected businessman Sok Kong. In U.S. diplomatic cables from 2007, which were leaked by anti-secrecy group Wikileaks in 2011, Sok Kong is said to have returned to Cambodia shortly after the Khmer Rouge fell and made his fortune through close business connections with Vietnam. …

http://www.cambodiadaily.com/elections/rainsy-sokha-draw-large-crowds-in-siem-reap-36614/