Phnom Penh: The daughter of Prince Norodom Ranariddh, Princess Norodom Ratana Devi has issued a letter in response to a former FUNCINPEC vice president who issued a letter rejecting the party's letter. Last Monday, FUNCINPEC Vice President Chap Nhalivuth issued a letter rejecting the party's letter firing three party leaders and also talking about the party's seal. Afterwards, news came out on 28 September attacking the sons and daughters of the Prince Ranariddh saying that they did not pay attention to the situation of the prince by taking him to a nursing home.

EAC News received the letter on Monday which was sent to Chap Nhalivuth last Friday. Princess Norodom Ratana Devi issued a letter expressing disappointment on the information received. She said it was a serious criticism on her family. She also asked Chap Nhalivuth to stop defaming her mother and the party seal.

The Princess writes, "I hope uncle was forced by an evil spirit to write a shameful humiliation, because this does not seem to be uncle…. Uncle, this letter does not bring jealousy to uncle, instead I just want to clarify our position to Dad…I believe that uncle's attack was a mistake and a result of uncle's short-term memory’s forgetfulness."

FUNCINPEC spokesman Nheun Raden told EAC News that the letter was issued to reassure Chap Nhalivuth not to confuse the prince’s family, as he currently has no role in the party. He says, “He had an appeal to the lower level and accused the prince’s family of leaving the Prince Norodom in the old people center and neglected everything to damage the reputation of his family. Then Princess Norodom Ratana Devi, clarified and submitted to His Excellency Uncle Nhal (Chap Nhalivuth) for him to know”.

EAC News has not been able to contact Chap Nhalivuth yet, but former senior FUNCINPEC member Phan Sethy, who is close to Chap Nhalivuth, told EAC News that a disagreement between the family of the prince and Chap Nha Ly Vuth could happen only by misunderstanding because Chap Nha Ly Vuth never dared to attack anything seriously to the family of Prince Norodom Ranariddh.

He says, “I understand that the princess was confused because His Excellency Chap Nhalivuth went to France for 40 days to visit Prince Ranariddh and then they were not allowed to visit. Prince Chakravuth did not let him in and did not know where he (Prince Ranariddh) was. But rumors are circulating that he is in a nursing home only! I understand that from what I read, but to the princess - she understood it differently”.

FUNCINPEC internal dispute over party seal was leaked on 22 September when a senior FUNCINPEC official, led by Phan Sethy, held a press conference accusing Princess Norodom Marie of using the party's seal to decide and appoint people without consulting with the four vice presidents of the party and without the consent of Norodom Ranariddh.

However, the party has denied the allegations and decided to terminate those who demanded a seal from the party, while Chap Nhalivuth who claims to be the party's vice president, has come forward to defend those who have been terminated not recognising the decision.