C AMBODIA celebrated its 41st anniversary of independence from French rule on Nov 9, a time to pay homage to King Norodom Sihanouk who reclaimed Cambodia.

Co-premiers Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, Loy Sim Chheang, other officials and foreign diplomats all attended a ceremony at the Independence Monument. The day is also one to remember those who fell in battle.

There were 41 monks at the monument, chanting and blessing, and later Loy Sim Chheang burnt a candle as the symbol of gaining the victory. At the same time colorful balloons were flown to the air and pigeons were freed as a wish for the nation.

On the eve of the Independence Day at the Cultural Show at the Olympic Stadium, Ranariddh said from now on the Kingdom of Cambodia had become the "Peace Island" of Asia. Cambodia was a country developing in every aspect, he added. Before a cheerful crowd, the Prince solemnly promised: "The Royal Government, hand in hand with the National Assembly, will try all the best to keep safe the country's national independence and promise not to lose a piece of territory."