Scholar: Vietnamese army instrumental in changing Cambodia history
The Vietnamese army was instrumental in defeating the Khmer Rouge regime, changing history in Cambodia, according to Executive Director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia Youk Chhang.
Hanoi (VNA)ဣ – The Vietnamese army was instrumental in defeating the Khmer Rouge regime, changing history in Cambodia, according to Executive Director of the Documentation Centre of Cambodia Youk Chhang.
In an interview with Vietnam News Agency, Chhang said many Cambodians fleeing the genocidal regime had told the world about the catastrophe, but no country was willing to interfere. He added that he had collected several documents proving that Amnesty International tried to negotiate with Khmer Rouge in 1976, but it came to failure. Therefore, genocide had to be ended by military force and the Vietnam People’s Army is the only one in the region that could deal with it.
He said had it not been for Vietnam’s help, Cambodia would have become a dictatorial country.
On the life sentence given to ex-leaders of Khmer Rouge Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphon, Chhang said it marks an end to Khmer Rouge regime from the legal aspect. The next task is ending the regime via education which he said is especially important for Cambodian people to look toward the future while not forgetting lessons of the past.
As regards Cambodia – Vietnam ties, he said both countries should build a special relationship on the back of long-standing historical connection and mutual support. In the future, bilateral ties will thrive as ASEAN member states grow closer in terms of science-technology and economy.
According to him, not only the two governments but also the two countries’ people need such relations and they need to understand each country’s history.
Chhang said he visited Vietnam in 1998 to learn about the country and Vietnam – Cambodia ties. He called attention to raising public awareness about Khmer Rouge issues.
Youk Chhang himself was a victim of the Khmer Rouge and survived by fleeing to a refugee camp along the Thailand-Cambodia border before settling in the US. Returning to Cambodia more than three decades ago, he wished his work would contribute to bringing justice to genocide victims and those who toppled the brutal regime.
Under the helm of Chhang, the centre has made important contributions to judging crimes of leaders of the genocidal regime in courts. He has also authored many articles and books about the regime and served as a senior researcher and lecturer in research centres and universities worldwide.
He was also named among top 60 and 100 influential people by Time magazine in 2006 and 2007, respectively.-VNA
The Cambodian people have never forgotten the valuable assistance of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers in the liberation of their nation from the Pol Pot genocidal regime.
A ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory of the southwest border defence war and the joint victory on January 7 of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal regime was held in Hanoi on January 4 with the participation of high-ranking leaders of the two countries.
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Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
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The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
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At the interview (Photo: VNA)
