Prime Minister Hun Manet signed an October 26 directive establishing an inter-ministerial commission to orchestrate the 25th anniversary celebrations of the cessation of Cambodia’s civil war.

It also acknowledges the successful implementation of the win-win policy, alongside the fifth anniversary of the Win-Win Monument’s erection, set for December.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen designated December 29, 1998, as the date marking Cambodia’s attainment of complete peace following years of civil war. While the Khmer Rouge regime collapsed in early 1979, hostilities continued until the signing of the Paris Peace Agreement in 1991, followed by the country’s first democratic elections supported by the UN in 1993.

Nevertheless, following these elections, the Khmer Rouge continued its insurrection against the government. It was through Hun Sen’s win-win policy, which integrated former Khmer Rouge soldiers into society, that Cambodia achieved full peace, as previously explained by Hun Sen.

Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Seiha, the commission includes 10 deputy heads from senior ministerial positions and 18 state secretaries, undersecretaries and directors-general. It will oversee the coordination and management of the festivities, according to the directive.

“The inter-ministerial commission is tasked with leading, managing and coordinating the celebration of the… end to the civil war in Cambodia, the successful implementation of the win-win policy and the fifth anniversary of the Win-Win Monument’s construction,” the statement said.

“The commission is responsible for overseeing administration, finance, security and public order during the ceremony. It effectively manages and inspects the preparatory processes, reports outcomes to the government and carries out additional tasks as delegated by the government,” it continued.

It added that the commission is entitled to use the ministry’s stamp for its official functions. Additionally, the commission has the right to utilize government funds and other legal financial sources for its activities.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona stated on October 30 that the formation of the body is a decision reflecting the government’s recognition of the event as a significant milestone for the country.

He added that the prolonged conflict, which lasted nearly three decades, was conclusively ended with the win-win policy introduced by former Prime Minister Hun Sen, resulting in a cessation of bloodshed.

He said that amidst global conflicts, the Kingdom’s policy formula had achieved peace within the nation.

He emphasized the universal value of this approach, stating that it holds important lessons not only for Cambodians but for people worldwide, suggesting that other nations could apply this formula in their own pursuit of peace.

He underscored the principle that peace obtained through the death of an adversary does not constitute true peace or victory.

“Therefore, it’s essential for the government to commemorate the [occasion]. The monument stands as a symbol of the war’s end through the win-win policy, serving as a reminder and lesson to our citizens and the world, to avoid the recurrence of conflict,” he stated.

Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, remarked on the nation’s progress, noting that the country has attained territorial unity under a single government.

He reflected on the past when the country was divided, governed by multiple factions including the Phnom Penh government, the tripartite government and the self-exiled government.

“Therefore, the [day] is observed to remember and honour the Cambodian people and ancestors and serves as a lesson for the international community to learn and understand the values of the peace earned by [our nation]. Without peace, democracy could not be developed and human rights could not be discussed,” he stated.