KRATIE: The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the Army, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet, has stated that 7 January Victory Day will continue to be in the hearts of all Cambodians forever.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of new achievements at Udom Samaki Pagoda, also known as Veal Kanseng Pagoda, in Kratie province on Thursday, 5 January, Lt. Gen. Hun Manet said that there are only two days left until the 44th anniversary of Victory Day on 7 January, marking the day Cambodia became liberated from the genocidal regime of Pol Pot.

"On the basis of 7 January Victory Day, Cambodia has made steady progress and achieved many historical achievements, and 7 January Victory Day will remain in the hearts of all Cambodians who were saved from the Khmer Rouge regime's brutal slaughter," he said.

This year also marks the complete closure of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, which is an achievement made under the leadership of the Head of the Royal Government of Cambodia. Together with the efforts of working groups at all levels and the involvement of international associations through the United Nations, the tribunal helped provide justice that ensures peace, national unity, and the psychological remedy of victims and their families. The tribunal also ensured the firm prevention of the brutal tragedy Cambodia suffered between 1975 and 1979 from ever happening again.

He added that after the war ended and the country had peace and stability, Prime Minister Hun Sen's next vision is to ensure that the people are safe from the threat of landmines by striving to achieve the goal of a landmine-free Cambodia by 2025.