Cambodian leader Hun Sen urged thousands of young supporters today to help the country avoid a fate similar to Syria's as he looks to assure victory in a future vote despite the absence of a viable opposition.
The prime minister has tightened his grip on dissent ahead of the July poll by backing the dissolution of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party last year following the arrest of its leader Kem Sokha on treason charges.
Speaking at the ancient Angkor complex in Siem Reap at an event organised by the ruling party-linked Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, Hun Sen dredged up the country's violent past and urged the youth to help maintain the "hard-won peace."
"Even though the CPP is likely to sail through July's election mostly unopposed, the long-term viability of CPP rule hinges on the party's ability to win the support of Cambodia's young generation."
Event spokesman Som Ratana said the event was not political and described it as a "platform for youth to participate, to love culture and to preserve and develop the country's rich culture."
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