B ANGKOK - Cambodia said on July 24 that Prince Norodom Chakrapong, deported to Malaysia after a failed coup, has been offered a home by France.

The Malaysian government was anxious to have him out of the country before the Cambodian prime ministers visit in mid-August, Cambodian Foreign Minister Norodom Sirivudh - Chak-rapong's uncle - told reporters.

"Malaysia thinks it is not good enough to keep Prince Chak-rapong in Kuala Lumpur when the official delegation from Cambodia visits," he said.

Sirivudh said he had been told of the French offer by France's ambassador in Phnom Penh.

Malaysia's state news agency Bernama said senior officials would meet with Chakrapong on July 25 to discuss his departure date.