C ertain persons have recently sent me letters asking me whether I had really said that I would take power of state if the following three conditions were satisfied: firstly, one party; secondly, no press freedom; thirdly, no respect for human rights and no human rights NGOs.

That is unacceptable slander which taints my honor.

Since my return to Cambodia in 1991, up until now, late September 1994, I have done my utmost for a multiparty liberal democracy, human rights and an extremely free press to flourish in Cambodia.

Persons who still remain sceptical on that issue are kindly requested to read closely, at the Royal Palace, the issues of B.M.D. for 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, in particular the "Documents of State" and "Cambodia and the international press" - with my handwritten comments. If these persons are honest, they will recognize that I am in good faith.

Furthermore, I have these past few months repeatedly made official declarations in which I solemnly stated that I would never violate the current Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and would come to power in Cambodia.

Given the above, how could I have, or how could I even talk about taking power, imposing conditions, a single party or other unbelievable and unimaginable things?

- Norodom Sihanouk, Sept 27