T he National Senate approved the draft law on military conscription November 23 in the face of calls from over 30 youth associations to delay the passage of the law.

Fifty-one Funcinpec and CPP senators voted in favor of the legislation, which would introduce selective compulsory conscription to Cambodia for all men between the ages of 18 and 30, but the two Sam Rainsy Party senators opposed the bill, said Senate Secretary Genaeral Oum Sarith.

The confederation of youth associations released a joint statement on November 22 saying the law was unnecessary and might be selectively enforced.