1990-1994 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 16, 1990
Talks on Cambodia among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council end in Paris with an agreement on general principles.
Jan. 31, 1990
SOC National Assembly concludes a one-week session in Phnom Penh, adopting 1990 state plan.
Feb. 3, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk announces the changes of his government-in-exile: (1) CGDK was renamed to “National Government of Cambodia”; (2) Prince Sihanouk’s official title was “President of Cambodia”; (3) the Khmer Rouge flag and anthem would be replaced with pre-1970 one; and (4) the regime of Cambodia would be a democratic presidential system based on the Fifth French Republic.
Feb. 6, 1990
The US House of Representatives pass a resolution, by the vote of 413-0, on UN role in the Cambodian peace process as outlined in a UN Security Council meeting in Paris on Jan. 13-15.
Feb. 18, 1990
US Senator Charles Robb hold talks with Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh.
Feb. 21, 1990
Prince Sihanouk and Premier Hun Sen sign a first joint communiqué following a 5-hours meeting in Bangkok hosted by Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan and army chief Gen. Chawalit Yongchaiyut.
Feb. 23, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen tells reporters, on his return to Phnom Penh, that he would not allow his govt. be dissolved prior to elections and the UN role should be confined to organizing elections.
Australia FM Gareth Evans pledges US$2.4 million in relief and refugee aid for Cambodia on the eve of his departure for Jakarta talks.
Feb. 27, 1990
US Pres. George Bush meets with Prince Sihanouk in Beijing.
March 1, 1990
Peace talks in Jakarta among the Cambodian warring factions ended in failure.
March 7, 1990
US Sen. Cramston introduces S.CON.RES.101
March 30, 1990
UN sent a fact-finding team to Cambodia to assess logistics requirement in the event of a UN role in the settlement.
April 6, 1990
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Soviet FM Eduard Shevardnadze. [Statement]
April 9, 1990
Prince Sihanouk unveiled a new nine-point Cambodian peace program, heart of which was a UN military force to police the country before and during general elections to form the new govt. and ruling system.
April 11, 1990
A US Senate delegation, led by Sen. Robert Kerrey, arrived in Phnom Penh on a fact-finding mission. The delegation met with SOC PM Hun Sen and NA Chairman Chea Sim and other officials.
April 13, 1990
A UN team departed Phnom Penh following a 2-weeks mission to assess the state and needs of Cambodia’s communication and transportation systems.
April 15, 1990
European Community diplomats at the UN warned the CGDK not to expect EC support at the UN General Assembly for the Cambodia seat as in the past.
April 30, 1990
Australian Dep. FM Micheal Costello departed Phnom Penh after a 2-days visit; he met with SOC PM Hun Sen and other officials.
US Senator Cranston introduces S.AMDT.1564
May 1, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen flew to the Thai resort town of Pattaya for a day of talks with Thai officials. Later, the Premier said a cease-fire was the necessary first step for the Cambodian peace process.
May 3, 1990
Prince Sihanouk suggested Phnom Penh should be declared a de-militarized, open city and be put under UN administration.
May 17, 1990
Fighting between Khmer and Vietnamese students broke out at the University of Hanoi and University of Ho Chi Minh City and continued sporadically for nearly two weeks, leaving dozens of students hospitalized.
May 24, 1990
The Caravan, a Thai rock group, gave a concert at Angkok Wat attended by some 100,000 people despite heavy rain. The program was part of a Thai sponsored “Artists for Peace”.
US Pres. Bush holds new conference, in which Cambodia-US relations question is raised. [The news conference]
May 25, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council held a weekend meeting in New York to discuss Cambodia, the fourth such session this year.
May 29, 1990
Prince Sihanouk announced he was planning to reassume leadership of the CGDK, in advance of a Tokyo meeting on the Cambodian peace process.
June 3, 1990
US Pres. Bush holds news conference following discussions with Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev, in which Cambodia issue was discussed. [Read more]
June 5, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk and SOC PM Hun Sen signed a joint communiqué in Tokyo at the end of their meeting.
June 13, 1990
At least six governmental and military figures were reported of being arrested on suspicion of anti-government activities (planning to form a political party). Those detained were listed as the Transport, Communications and Post Minister Ung Phan, Foreign Ministry official Kan Man, Planning Ministry official Nou Saing Khan, Defense Ministry officials Col. On Sum and Lt. Col. Kay Mathury.
June 14, 1990
USSR Deputy FM Igor Rogachev, in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Qian Qichen, predicted a political settlement would be reached very soon in Cambodia.
US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan, “…we also talked about resolving the tragic conflict in Cambodia. And we agreed that both our countries should continue our diplomatic efforts to end the violence, to achieve a comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Cambodian people by assuring genuine self-determination through free and fair elections under U.N. auspices and in the presence of an international peacekeeping force.”
June 20, 1990
SOC officials denied ordering a crack down on the democracy movement in Cambodia, and said the recent arrests were “punishing acts of treason, not suppressing the aspirations for democracy.”
June 23, 1990
SOC Council of Ministers established a special commission to oversee the search of Americans missing in action in Cambodia, chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Khim Pon. The task of the commission was to act as a liaison between American specialists and provincial officials.
June 27, 1990
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.AMDT.540
July 5, 1990
Singaporean investors in Cambodia are warned by their govt. that their passports would be confiscated if they did not withdraw immediately. Singaporeans are not allowed to invest or work in Cambodia until there was a comprehensive political settlement.
July 7, 1990
SOC Council of Minister issued regulations on intermarriage between Khmer citizens and overseas Khmers or foreign residents in Cambodia. Those applying for marriage with Khmer citizens must submit their application to the Council through the Ministry of Interior.
July 16, 1990
Jonh G. Dean, the last US ambassador to Cambodia, arrived in Phnom Penh for a week long visit; he met with PM Hun Sen and Defense Minister Tea Banh.
July 17, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded a 2-days meeting in Paris, discussing the involvement of the UN in the Cambodian peace process.
July 18, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker announced that the US administration would seek contacts with Hanoi to reach a Cambodian settlement and would no longer support the three party coalition containing the Khmer Rouge in the UN.
US Senator Kerry introduces S.CON.RES.140
July 20, 1990
Phnom Penh Radio announced that SOC would send 837 students abroad for the 1990-91 school year. They would be sent to USSR, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Mongolia, Laos, Cuba, and Vietnam.
July 24, 1990
ASEAN foreign ministers, at a 2-days meeting in Jakarta, called for a Cambodian quadripartite meeting in Jakarta in order to set up a Supreme National Council (SNC) to temporarily govern Cambodia.
July 26, 1990
A US military team left Phnom Penh with six sets of remains believed to be Americans, including four recovered from a Khmer Rouge mass grave.
July 29, 1990
Vietnam FM Nguyen Co Thach, in an interview, praised recent US policy changes and expressed his optimism about a settlement of the Cambodian problem.
Aug.4, 1990
US Senator Cranston introduces S.RES.321
Aug. 6, 1990
US and Vietnamese officials met in New York to discuss peace in Cambodia.
Aug. 22, 1990
CGDK leaders, Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan, met in Beijing and announced their acceptance of the ASEAN initiated invitation from the Paris International Conference on Cambodia to meet in Jakarta with SOC to work out plans for creation of a Supreme National Council for Cambodia.
Aug. 28, 1990
Cambodia warring factions accept the Framework document as the basis for settling the Cambodia conflict. On the same day, the five permanent members of UN Security Council agree among themselves on the main elements of a Cambodian peace process. It involves deep UN involvement in the peacekeeping task fully supported and funded by the perm-five.
Sept. 5, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker says the US would begin direct talks with the SOC on the peace process in Cambodia. SOC, in response, says it is ready for talks on any subjects at any level; and Vietnam welcomes the announcement.
Sept. 10, 1990
The four Cambodian warring parties accept the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of Cambodia conflict at their Informal Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The framework provide that a Supreme National Council (SNC) shall be established as the unique legitimate body and source of authority in which, throughout the transitional period, the independence, national sovereignty and unity of Cambodia is embodied.
Sept. 15, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalues its currency from R460 to R510 per US dollar.
Sept. 17, 1990
The four Cambodia warring factions meet in Bangkok to establish the Supreme National Council (SNC). Twelve members of SNC are selected: Hun Sen (SOC), Hor Namhong (SOC), Chem Snguon (SOC), Kong Som Ol (SOC), Sin Song (SOC), Tea Banh (SOC), Prince Ranariddh (ANS), Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum (ANS), Son Sann (KPNLF), Ieng Mouly (KPNLF), Khieu Samphan (DK) and Son Sen (DK).
Sept. 20, 1990
The UN Security Council unanimously adopt a resolution S/RES/668 endorsing the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict, which agreed to by Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.
Oct. 1, 1990
French Deputy FM Thierry de Beauce ends his visit to Cambodia. He meets with PM Hun Sen, FM Hor Namhong and NA Chairman Chea Sim, and agrees to provide the aid of French expertise in agriculture, road building and port facilities.
Oct. 8, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen led a delegation to New Delhi, India, for a 5-days visit.
Oct. 11, 1990
Four of 32 dancers from Phnom Penh on tour in the US defected.
Oct. 12, 1990
Agreement was reached behind the scenes at the UNGA that there be no vote this year on the Cambodian peace process, nor any decision at the moment on who would occupy the Cambodian UN seat. The move was part of ASEAN’s strategy to force the Cambodian to decide among themselves on the composition of the SNC.
US Senator Mitchell and Kerry introduce S.AMDT.2966 and S.AMDT.2967
Oct. 15, 1990
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/45/3 welcoming the acceptance of a framework of comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict by all four Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.
Oct, 17, 1990
US Rep. Richardson introduces H.AMDT.878
Oct. 18, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalued its currency again from R510 to R600 per US dollar.
Oct. 27, 1990
US Congress passed the 1991 foreign aid bill, providing up to $20 million in humanitarian aid to Cambodia, and another $5 million went to Cambodian children and other civilian victims of war. The fund to the non-communist resistance was cut.
Nov. 5, 1990
SOC National Assembly convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session to discuss the international negotiations over Cambodia, reshuffle and appoint of cadres and cancel the treaty of friendship with East Germany.
Nov. 30, 1990
A Buddhist festival attended by some 4,000 people was held at the 1000-year-old Temple of Bayon, led by SOC Transportation Minister Ros Choun.
Dec. 3, 1990
Amnesty International commended SOC for its improvement in human rights, but added torture and unfair detention by local authorities had not stopped.
Dec. 5, 1990
Prince Sihanouk appears in a Paris court to defense himself in a $100,000 libel suit filed against him by SOC FM Hor Namhong. Prince Sihanouk accuses the FM of having run a Khmer Rouge concentration camp. Hor Namhong denied that he commanded the camp but was detained there along with other intellectuals from 1976-78, and was arbitrarily appointed in 1978 to head a camp committee responsible for handling food distribution, assigning work and organizing political indoctrination sessions.
Dec. 21, 1990
Meetings are held in Paris from Dec. 21-23, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
1991 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
May 8, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on foreign access to United States Ports; Cambodia is one of countries banned from the US ports. [Statement]
June, 4, 1991
Meetings are held in Jakarta from June 4-6, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
June 19, 1991
US Rep. McCollun introduces H.AMDT.182
June 24, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 24-26, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
July 16, 1991
Meetings are held in Beijing, China, from July 16-17. Prince Sihanouk is unanimously elected as the Pres. of the SNC.
July 29, 1991
US Senator McCain introduces S.AMDT.907 an amendment expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to relation between US and Vietnam and Cambodia.
Aug. 26, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya from Aug. 26-29, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
Sept. 19, 1991
Meetings are held in New York, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
Oct. 16, 1991
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/717 to establish a United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) immediately after the signing of the agreements for a comprehensive political settlement.
Oct. 23, 1991
The Paris Conference reconvenes its second session, from Oct. 21-23, to conclude a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict. The Accord, among others, gives UN full authority to supervise a cease-fire, repatriate the displaced Cambodian along the border with Thailand, disarm and demobilize the factional armies, and to prepare the country for free and fair elections. [Original agreements in English French Khmer]
Nov. 11, 1991
The United States opened a Mission in Phnom Penh, headed by Charles H. Twining. Mr. Twining was a designated US Special Representative to the SNC.
Nov. 12, 1991
US Pres. Bush remarks to the Asia Society in New York City, “Let me give you a few examples of how we seek to build the peace. The conflict in Indochina has preoccupied this Nation for years. Finally, we've entered into a period of healing and constructive cooperation. We will work step-by-step to resolve the painful issues left by that war. The ASEAN nations, Japan, Australia, and the U.N. Security Council's permanent members recently forged a Cambodian peace process that promises free elections in a nation previously rent by tyranny and genocide. Just yesterday, for the first time in 16 years, we sent an accredited diplomat to Cambodia to participate in the peacemaking arrangements.”
Nov. 20, 1991
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/46/18 expressing its full support for the agreements on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict “Paris Agreement”.
Nov. 14, 1991
Prince Norodom Sihanouk returns home after thirteen years in exile.
Dec. 17, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Thai PM Anan Panyarachun, in which Cambodia was discussed. [Statement]
1992 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 2, 1992
US Pres. George Bush addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra [The address] and holds news conference with Australia PM Paul J. Keating in Canberra; Cambodian peace plan is raised. [News conference]
Jan. 3, 1992
United States lift its sixteen year-old trade embargo and normalize economic relations with Cambodia. The US also end blanket opposition to lending to Cambodia by international financial institutions.
Jan. 4, 1992
US Pres. George Bush remarks with the Singapore Lecture Group, and holds news conference with Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong in Singapore; Cambodia is mention. [News conference].
Jan. 8, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/728 welcoming the operational of the UNAMIC, the SNC and the maintenance of the cease-fire. The Council also expresses concern about the existence of mines and minefields in Cambodia and considers establishing a training program in mine clearance.
Feb. 8, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on renaming the People’s National Bank of Cambodia (PNBC) to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and on the Force Physical Imprisonment in Criminal Cases.
Feb. 28, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/745 authorizing the deployment of about 22,000 UN troops, police officers and civilian administrators into Cambodia to oversee the Paris agreement. The force, called the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), would be one of the largest ever deployed by the UN; its cost is estimated at about $2 billion.
March 11-16, 1992
The first UN troops arrived in Cambodia and began implementation of the Paris Accord.
March 30, 1992
UN began repatriating refugees. The first 630 of 370,000 displaced Cambodians in Site 2 camp are repatriated, under the protection of UN troops.
April 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush signs resolution H.J. Res. 456, among others, providing fund of $270 million to finance special United Nations peacekeeping activities in Cambodia, El Salvador, Yugoslavia, and other countries. [Statement]
April 23, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement On The Network Of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific [27140].
May 26, 1992
Cambodia ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights [14531].
June 1992
Khmer Rouge refused to disarm as required by the phase two of Paris Accord, refused to allow UN peacekeeping troops to inspect the territory they controlled, and began sporadic attacks in the countryside.
June 12, 1992
Supreme National Council of Cambodia set up Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC).
June 22, 1992
Reconstruction aid pledge. An international donor meeting in Tokyo pledged US$880 million in rehabilitation aid for Cambodia; the Khmer Rouge was rebuked for noncompliance with Phase two of the Paris Agreement.
July 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Japanese PM Kiichi Miyazawa, welcoming the passage of Japan's peace cooperation bill, which allow Japan to participate actively in building a lasting peace in Cambodia and in other world trouble spots. [Remark]
July 7, 1992
Munich Economic Summit Political Declaration, "We are seriously concerned at the present situation in Cambodia and urge all parties concerned to support UNTAC and uphold the still fragile peace process to bring it to a successful conclusion." [Read more]
July 14-15, 1992
Khmer Rouge escalated its military attacks by seizing six villages, shelling Kompong Thom province and attacking UN helicopters.
July 21, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/766 demanding the Khmer Rouge to comply with phase II of Paris Accord. The Khmer Rouge has refused to lay down their arms and allows the deployment of UNTAC to the areas under their control.
July 24, 1992
US Pres. Bush addresses the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, “Our years of trying to seek cooperation from Cambodia and the Soviets were not rewarded until just recently. The U.N.-sponsored settlement plan in Cambodia…….have opened the way for unprecedented access. We will push hard to translate this access into answers.” [Read more]
July 28, 1992
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.R.5708 a bill to establish an Office of Cambodian Genocide Investigation.
Aug. 13, 1992
Election process began. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Cambodia, Yasushi Akashi, signed the UNTAC Electoral Law, the blueprint for Cambodia's first multiparty election in decades.
Aug. 25, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement Establishing the International Fund for Agricultural Development [16041].
Aug. 27, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on the Supervision of Financial Institutions.
Sept. 2, 1992
Cambodian govt. released 70 prisoners after UN human rights workers determined that they had been detained without trial. Some had been imprisoned for as long as ten years.
Sept. 10, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) adopted provision relating to the judiciary, and criminal law and procedure applicable in Cambodia during the transitional period. [Text of the provisions]
Sept. 22, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) set a moratorium on the export of logs from Cambodia in order to protect Cambodia's natural resources; requests states, especially neighboring states, to respect the moratorium by not importing such logs; and request UNTAC to take appropriate measures to secure the implementation of the moratorium.
Sept. 25, 1992
US Pres.'s message to the Congress reporting on the National Emergency with respect to Export Control Regulations, "At the beginning of the year, I announced the lifting of the US embargo against Cambodia in response to the United Nations-directed comprehensive political settlement of the decades-long Cambodian conflict. In April the Commerce Department issued a rule removing Cambodia from the list of embargoed countries and revising licensing policies and procedures affecting Cambodia and Laos to allow these countries to receive general license treatment for exports and re-exports of many items."
Oct. 5, 1992
Voter registration began in Phnom Penh and throughout the provinces over the following three months which eventually 4,764,430 voters were registered.
Oct. 13, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/783 reiterating its demand for the Khmer Rouge to comply fully with phase II of Paris Accord. The Council also demands all Cambodian parties to respect for the cease-fire, help UNTAC to identify minefields, refrain from enlarging the territory under their control, and facilitate UNTAC in investigating reports of foreign forces in Cambodia.
Oct. 15, 1992
Cambodia ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [24841], Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [20378], Convention on the Rights of the Child [27531], and Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol [2545].
Nov. 30, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/792 imposing a trade embargo on the areas under the Khmer Rouge's control. The Council orders an end to all oil deliveries to the Khmer Rouge and orders Thailand to stop allowing the export through Thai territory of timber and gems, which is the Khmer Rouge's prime source of revenue. The move is a response to the Khmer Rouge's refusal to comply with the phase II of Paris Accord signed in Oct. 1991.
Dec. 2-4, 1992
Khmer Rouge captured six UN soldiers on Dec. 2 and accused them of spying. According to UNTAC, the six had been traveling unarmed near the town of Kompong Thom in observing troop movements as part of their peacekeeping mission. All are released on Dec. 4.
Dec. 19, 1992
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Basic Agreement in the Field of Rubber. [Original agreement English French]
Dec. 22, 1992
UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/209 concerning the financing of UNTAC.
Dec. 28, 1992
Khieu Samphan, the Khmer Rouge's leader, warned that UN personnel would be taken captive if they attempt to monitor UN sanctions, which was imposed on the Khmer Rouge by the UN Security Council on Nov. 30.
1993 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 4, 1993
Citing an increasing political violence against FUNCINPEC and failure of UNTAC to curtail it, Prince Sihanouk, chairman of Supreme National Council, informed UNTAC in letter that he is withdrawing from the peace process; ceasing from cooperation with UNTAC and the State of Cambodia.
Jan. 11, 1993
UNTAC announced the creation of a special prosecutor's office to bring to justice those guilty of political killings. A multinational team of civilian police officers that operate under UNTAC's auspices had an arrest power.
Jan. 26, 1993
Khmer Rouge issued a statement in Phnom Penh that it would not participate in the peace process unless it is provided a share of power and guarantees that all Vietnamese had left Cambodia.
Jan. 28, 1993
General election announced. The Supreme National Council and UNTAC representatives announced that general elections for a 120-seat National Assembly in Cambodia would be held in May.
Jan. 29, 1993
The RGC launched a large-scale military offensive against Khmer Rouge in north-central and western Cambodia.
Feb. 11, 1993
French Pres. Francois Mitterrand began a two-day visit to Cambodia, a former French colony. His visit was the first by a French leader since Charles de Gaulle's sojourn in 1966. Mitterrand urged all Cambodian factions to honor the UN-sponsored peace process. The two countries also signed a few agreement: (1) Protocol of Agreement concerning technical assistance to the Calmette hospital [Agreement in English French]; (2) Protocol of agreement on technical assistance to the mixed faculty of medicine, pharmacy and odontostomatology [English French]; and (3) Framework Agreement in the field of health [English French].
Feb. 27, 1993
A UN chief administrator in Cambodia Gerard Porcell resigned citing the UN's failure to curtail the violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by the Khmer Rouge and the State of Cambodia.
March 1, 1993
UN officials revealed that they had identified three former Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia who qualified as foreign forces under the 1991 peace accords and should be deported. All three had entered Cambodia during Vietnam's invasion in 1978, and had become Cambodian citizen after marrying local women.
March 8, 1993
UN Security Council formally endorsed the forthcoming elections in Cambodia, although the Khmer Rouge's refusal to participate.
March 28, 1993
More Than 2000 ethnic Vietnamese fled by boat down the Tonle Sap River toward Vietnam after a series of brutal attacks, which Khmer Rouge was widely suspected of perpetrating the attacks. Khmer Rouge vocally denounced the presence of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese in Cambodia.
April 3, 1993
Khieu Samphan, in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review, dismisses the forthcoming elections as a Western plot to destroy the Khmer Rouge, and called for an establishment of a national reconciliation govt. that include the Khmer Rouge without the election.
April 6, 1993
US Defense Dept. said that it was recalling its 48-member team searching for US servicemen missing in action in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. The Dept. said the team had come under Khmer Rouge's attacks.
April 8, 1993
Atsuhito Nakata, a Japanese UN electoral observer, and his Cambodian interpreter are gunned down. About UN 40 volunteers resign after the killing.
April 13, 1993
The Khmer Rouge close their offices in Phnom Penh and withdrew from the capital. Khieu Samphan said in a letter that Khmer Rouge officials fear for their safety because of deteriorating security in the capital.
May 2, 1993
Thailand's Interior Ministry had proposed reopening its border with Cambodia to allow the importation of timbers. The border was closed after the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on the Khmer Rouge in Nov. 1992 for its failure to comply Phase II of Paris Accord.
May 3, 1993
More than 200 Khmer Rouge raid the provincial capital of Siem Reap and occupy the airport for about two hours before they are driven off by the govt. troops.
May 23-28, 1993
General elections are held under the auspices of UNTAC.
June 10, 1993
Constituent Assembly. UNTAC releases the final tally of the May election showing that FUNCINPEC received 1.82 million votes or 45.5%; CPP 1.53 million votes or 38.2%; BLDP 152,764 votes or 3.8%; and the remaining votes divided among the other 17 political parties. In the 120-seat assembly, FUNCINPEC would get 58 seats; CPP 51; BLDP 10 and Moulinaka 1.
June 12, 1993
Secession attempt. Prince Norodom Chakrapong, an incumbent deputy prime minister in Hun Sen's govt., declares the establishment of an autonomous zone (Kompong Cham, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng province). He said he is acting in the name of his father in rejecting the validity of the May election results; however, some observers speculated that the Prince's move is a ploy backed by Hun Sen to press Prince Ranariddh to accept the CPP as a coalition partner.
June 13, 1993
Prince Ranariddh instructs his 5000-strong army to ready itself for battle against the secessionist forces of Prince Chakrapong, who is his half-brother.
June 14, 1993
The Constituent Assembly convenes for the first time and grants Prince Sihanouk all powers for Head of State to govern the nation. The Assembly also declares the 1970 coup, which ousted Prince Sihanouk from power, as illegal. Following the Assembly vote, the State of Cambodia renounces all state powers.
A spokesman reject any involves of govt. with the secession attempt by Prince Chakrapong and insists he acts on his own. Meanwhile, Hun Sen flies to Kampong Cham and after conferring with local authorities, he informs the UNTAC chief Yasushi Akshi that he had been able to defuse secessionist moves and that the provinces remain under govt. control.
June 18, 1993
FUNCINPEC and CPP agree to share power in an interim govt., ending their post-electoral maneuvering. The agreement calls for Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen to be co-presidents and division of cabinet posts equally. Two smaller parties, the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Part and Moulinaka, are also to be represented in the interim govt., which to govern until the Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution.
Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen agrees that Prince Sihanouk would serve as the interim supreme commander of the Cambodian armed forces, which composed of the former armies of the State of Cambodia, FUNCINPEC and the BLDP.
Aug. 17, 1993
An ad hoc Commission, which was created by the Constituent Assembly on June 14, produced a draft Constitution.
Aug. 18-20, 1993
In responding to a series of Khmer Rouge attacks, govt. launches a three-day offensive against the rebel bases in northwest Cambodia, involving some 6000 troops. Govt. troops overrun Khmer Rouge's base at Kouk Krasbas on Aug. 19 and capture some 200 rebels and an array of weapons. And Phnom Chat, major Khmer Rouge arms depot, captured on Aug. 20.
Sept. 9, 1993
The International Committee for the Reconstruction of Cambodia ends its two-day meeting in Paris with a pledge of $119 million in additional financial aid to Cambodia.
Sept. 21, 1993
The Constituent Assembly votes 113 to 5, with two abstentions, to adopt a new constitution (Cambodia's sixth constitution since independence in 1953). The country officially renames to Kingdom of Cambodia.
Sept. 24, 1993
The newly adopted constitution is promulgated. On the same day, Prince Norodom Sihanouk is reinstated as Cambodia's king (constitutional sovereign).
Sept. 26, 1993
UNTAC ends its most ambitious peacekeeping mission in Cambodia; the mission last 18 months and $1.7 billion, the most expensive mission ever conduct by the UN.
Dec. 17, 1993
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of building and public works. [MOU in English French]
Dec. 22, 1993
New Zealand and UN signed an Agreement in New York relating to the Provision of Personnel to Support De-mining program in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
1994 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 13,1994
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreement on the establishment of the Joint Commission for the Bilateral Cooperation between the two countries.
Jan. 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN exchanged letters constituting an agreement concerning the status of the team of military liaison officers in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
Feb. 1, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.1332
March 1994
Govt. troops captured Pailin from Khmer Rouge.
May 10, 1994
Cambodia and France signed in Paris a Basic Agreement on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation. [Agreement in English French]
May 26, 1994
US Rep. Rohrabacher introduces H.R.4530
June 1994
Govt. closed Khmer Rouge offices in Phnom Penh. Shortly afterward the National Assembly outlawed the Khmer Rouge.
June 1, 1994
Cambodia and UN Children’s Fund signed in Phnom Penh a Basic cooperation agreement. [Agreement in English French]
July 2, 1994
Govt. officials reported that a coup led by Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song (both members of the Cabinet) had been foiled when govt. troops intercepted 200-300 dissident soldiers in armored vehicles and trucks as they were advancing on Phnom Penh. After many hours of telephone conversations that involved the king, who was in China for medical treatment, the queen, Chakrapong, govt. officials, and US ambassador, Prince Chakrapong was allowed to board a plane and go into exile in Malaysia. Gen. Sin Song was placed under arrest.
July 14, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.2278
July 15, 1994
UN and Netherlands signed in New York a Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of personnel to support de-mining program in Cambodia. [MOU in English French]
July 20, 1994
National Assembly adopted the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers. [Full Text]
Aug. 27, 1994
Prince Chakrapong issues a press release denying that he staged a coup. [Read the press release]
Sept. 13, 1994
Cambodia and UNHCR signed in Phnom Penh an agreement on the establishing of a UNHCR field office in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
Oct. 20, 1994
Economy and Finance Minister, Sam Rainsy, resigned.
Oct. 28, 1994
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Norodom Sirivudh, resigned.
Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song were sentenced in absentia to 20 years each and other eight high ranking military officers who also fled the country were given 15-prison term.
Nov. 28, 1994
Cambodia deposited with UN instrument of accessions on International Convention on Load Lines [9159], Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea [15824], Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage [14097], and Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea [18961].
Dec. 12, 1994
51 Buddhist books that were given to the Australian govt. for safekeeping in 1974 were returned to Cambodia.
Dec. 16, 1994
Cambodia and International Development Association signed in Phnom Penh an agreement relating to Development Credit. [Agreement in English French]
Dec. 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN signed a Basic agreement, in Phnom Penh, concerning assistance by the UNDP to Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 16, 1990
Talks on Cambodia among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council end in Paris with an agreement on general principles.
Jan. 31, 1990
SOC National Assembly concludes a one-week session in Phnom Penh, adopting 1990 state plan.
Feb. 3, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk announces the changes of his government-in-exile: (1) CGDK was renamed to “National Government of Cambodia”; (2) Prince Sihanouk’s official title was “President of Cambodia”; (3) the Khmer Rouge flag and anthem would be replaced with pre-1970 one; and (4) the regime of Cambodia would be a democratic presidential system based on the Fifth French Republic.
Feb. 6, 1990
The US House of Representatives pass a resolution, by the vote of 413-0, on UN role in the Cambodian peace process as outlined in a UN Security Council meeting in Paris on Jan. 13-15.
Feb. 18, 1990
US Senator Charles Robb hold talks with Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh.
Feb. 21, 1990
Prince Sihanouk and Premier Hun Sen sign a first joint communiqué following a 5-hours meeting in Bangkok hosted by Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan and army chief Gen. Chawalit Yongchaiyut.
Feb. 23, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen tells reporters, on his return to Phnom Penh, that he would not allow his govt. be dissolved prior to elections and the UN role should be confined to organizing elections.
Australia FM Gareth Evans pledges US$2.4 million in relief and refugee aid for Cambodia on the eve of his departure for Jakarta talks.
Feb. 27, 1990
US Pres. George Bush meets with Prince Sihanouk in Beijing.
March 1, 1990
Peace talks in Jakarta among the Cambodian warring factions ended in failure.
March 7, 1990
US Sen. Cramston introduces S.CON.RES.101
March 30, 1990
UN sent a fact-finding team to Cambodia to assess logistics requirement in the event of a UN role in the settlement.
April 6, 1990
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Soviet FM Eduard Shevardnadze. [Statement]
April 9, 1990
Prince Sihanouk unveiled a new nine-point Cambodian peace program, heart of which was a UN military force to police the country before and during general elections to form the new govt. and ruling system.
April 11, 1990
A US Senate delegation, led by Sen. Robert Kerrey, arrived in Phnom Penh on a fact-finding mission. The delegation met with SOC PM Hun Sen and NA Chairman Chea Sim and other officials.
April 13, 1990
A UN team departed Phnom Penh following a 2-weeks mission to assess the state and needs of Cambodia’s communication and transportation systems.
April 15, 1990
European Community diplomats at the UN warned the CGDK not to expect EC support at the UN General Assembly for the Cambodia seat as in the past.
April 30, 1990
Australian Dep. FM Micheal Costello departed Phnom Penh after a 2-days visit; he met with SOC PM Hun Sen and other officials.
US Senator Cranston introduces S.AMDT.1564
May 1, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen flew to the Thai resort town of Pattaya for a day of talks with Thai officials. Later, the Premier said a cease-fire was the necessary first step for the Cambodian peace process.
May 3, 1990
Prince Sihanouk suggested Phnom Penh should be declared a de-militarized, open city and be put under UN administration.
May 17, 1990
Fighting between Khmer and Vietnamese students broke out at the University of Hanoi and University of Ho Chi Minh City and continued sporadically for nearly two weeks, leaving dozens of students hospitalized.
May 24, 1990
The Caravan, a Thai rock group, gave a concert at Angkok Wat attended by some 100,000 people despite heavy rain. The program was part of a Thai sponsored “Artists for Peace”.
US Pres. Bush holds new conference, in which Cambodia-US relations question is raised. [The news conference]
May 25, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council held a weekend meeting in New York to discuss Cambodia, the fourth such session this year.
May 29, 1990
Prince Sihanouk announced he was planning to reassume leadership of the CGDK, in advance of a Tokyo meeting on the Cambodian peace process.
June 3, 1990
US Pres. Bush holds news conference following discussions with Soviet Pres. Mikhail Gorbachev, in which Cambodia issue was discussed. [Read more]
June 5, 1990
CGDK Pres. Prince Sihanouk and SOC PM Hun Sen signed a joint communiqué in Tokyo at the end of their meeting.
June 13, 1990
At least six governmental and military figures were reported of being arrested on suspicion of anti-government activities (planning to form a political party). Those detained were listed as the Transport, Communications and Post Minister Ung Phan, Foreign Ministry official Kan Man, Planning Ministry official Nou Saing Khan, Defense Ministry officials Col. On Sum and Lt. Col. Kay Mathury.
June 14, 1990
USSR Deputy FM Igor Rogachev, in Beijing for talks with Chinese FM Qian Qichen, predicted a political settlement would be reached very soon in Cambodia.
US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Thai PM Chatchai Chunhawan, “…we also talked about resolving the tragic conflict in Cambodia. And we agreed that both our countries should continue our diplomatic efforts to end the violence, to achieve a comprehensive solution that meets the aspirations of the Cambodian people by assuring genuine self-determination through free and fair elections under U.N. auspices and in the presence of an international peacekeeping force.”
June 20, 1990
SOC officials denied ordering a crack down on the democracy movement in Cambodia, and said the recent arrests were “punishing acts of treason, not suppressing the aspirations for democracy.”
June 23, 1990
SOC Council of Ministers established a special commission to oversee the search of Americans missing in action in Cambodia, chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Khim Pon. The task of the commission was to act as a liaison between American specialists and provincial officials.
June 27, 1990
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.AMDT.540
July 5, 1990
Singaporean investors in Cambodia are warned by their govt. that their passports would be confiscated if they did not withdraw immediately. Singaporeans are not allowed to invest or work in Cambodia until there was a comprehensive political settlement.
July 7, 1990
SOC Council of Minister issued regulations on intermarriage between Khmer citizens and overseas Khmers or foreign residents in Cambodia. Those applying for marriage with Khmer citizens must submit their application to the Council through the Ministry of Interior.
July 16, 1990
Jonh G. Dean, the last US ambassador to Cambodia, arrived in Phnom Penh for a week long visit; he met with PM Hun Sen and Defense Minister Tea Banh.
July 17, 1990
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council concluded a 2-days meeting in Paris, discussing the involvement of the UN in the Cambodian peace process.
July 18, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker announced that the US administration would seek contacts with Hanoi to reach a Cambodian settlement and would no longer support the three party coalition containing the Khmer Rouge in the UN.
US Senator Kerry introduces S.CON.RES.140
July 20, 1990
Phnom Penh Radio announced that SOC would send 837 students abroad for the 1990-91 school year. They would be sent to USSR, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary, Mongolia, Laos, Cuba, and Vietnam.
July 24, 1990
ASEAN foreign ministers, at a 2-days meeting in Jakarta, called for a Cambodian quadripartite meeting in Jakarta in order to set up a Supreme National Council (SNC) to temporarily govern Cambodia.
July 26, 1990
A US military team left Phnom Penh with six sets of remains believed to be Americans, including four recovered from a Khmer Rouge mass grave.
July 29, 1990
Vietnam FM Nguyen Co Thach, in an interview, praised recent US policy changes and expressed his optimism about a settlement of the Cambodian problem.
Aug.4, 1990
US Senator Cranston introduces S.RES.321
Aug. 6, 1990
US and Vietnamese officials met in New York to discuss peace in Cambodia.
Aug. 22, 1990
CGDK leaders, Prince Sihanouk, Son Sann and Khieu Samphan, met in Beijing and announced their acceptance of the ASEAN initiated invitation from the Paris International Conference on Cambodia to meet in Jakarta with SOC to work out plans for creation of a Supreme National Council for Cambodia.
Aug. 28, 1990
Cambodia warring factions accept the Framework document as the basis for settling the Cambodia conflict. On the same day, the five permanent members of UN Security Council agree among themselves on the main elements of a Cambodian peace process. It involves deep UN involvement in the peacekeeping task fully supported and funded by the perm-five.
Sept. 5, 1990
US Secretary of State James Baker says the US would begin direct talks with the SOC on the peace process in Cambodia. SOC, in response, says it is ready for talks on any subjects at any level; and Vietnam welcomes the announcement.
Sept. 10, 1990
The four Cambodian warring parties accept the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of Cambodia conflict at their Informal Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. The framework provide that a Supreme National Council (SNC) shall be established as the unique legitimate body and source of authority in which, throughout the transitional period, the independence, national sovereignty and unity of Cambodia is embodied.
Sept. 15, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalues its currency from R460 to R510 per US dollar.
Sept. 17, 1990
The four Cambodia warring factions meet in Bangkok to establish the Supreme National Council (SNC). Twelve members of SNC are selected: Hun Sen (SOC), Hor Namhong (SOC), Chem Snguon (SOC), Kong Som Ol (SOC), Sin Song (SOC), Tea Banh (SOC), Prince Ranariddh (ANS), Chau Sen Cocsal Chhum (ANS), Son Sann (KPNLF), Ieng Mouly (KPNLF), Khieu Samphan (DK) and Son Sen (DK).
Sept. 20, 1990
The UN Security Council unanimously adopt a resolution S/RES/668 endorsing the Framework for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict, which agreed to by Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.
Oct. 1, 1990
French Deputy FM Thierry de Beauce ends his visit to Cambodia. He meets with PM Hun Sen, FM Hor Namhong and NA Chairman Chea Sim, and agrees to provide the aid of French expertise in agriculture, road building and port facilities.
Oct. 8, 1990
SOC PM Hun Sen led a delegation to New Delhi, India, for a 5-days visit.
Oct. 11, 1990
Four of 32 dancers from Phnom Penh on tour in the US defected.
Oct. 12, 1990
Agreement was reached behind the scenes at the UNGA that there be no vote this year on the Cambodian peace process, nor any decision at the moment on who would occupy the Cambodian UN seat. The move was part of ASEAN’s strategy to force the Cambodian to decide among themselves on the composition of the SNC.
US Senator Mitchell and Kerry introduce S.AMDT.2966 and S.AMDT.2967
Oct. 15, 1990
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/45/3 welcoming the acceptance of a framework of comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict by all four Cambodian warring factions on Sept. 10.
Oct, 17, 1990
US Rep. Richardson introduces H.AMDT.878
Oct. 18, 1990
The National Bank of Cambodia devalued its currency again from R510 to R600 per US dollar.
Oct. 27, 1990
US Congress passed the 1991 foreign aid bill, providing up to $20 million in humanitarian aid to Cambodia, and another $5 million went to Cambodian children and other civilian victims of war. The fund to the non-communist resistance was cut.
Nov. 5, 1990
SOC National Assembly convened in Phnom Penh for a 2-days session to discuss the international negotiations over Cambodia, reshuffle and appoint of cadres and cancel the treaty of friendship with East Germany.
Nov. 30, 1990
A Buddhist festival attended by some 4,000 people was held at the 1000-year-old Temple of Bayon, led by SOC Transportation Minister Ros Choun.
Dec. 3, 1990
Amnesty International commended SOC for its improvement in human rights, but added torture and unfair detention by local authorities had not stopped.
Dec. 5, 1990
Prince Sihanouk appears in a Paris court to defense himself in a $100,000 libel suit filed against him by SOC FM Hor Namhong. Prince Sihanouk accuses the FM of having run a Khmer Rouge concentration camp. Hor Namhong denied that he commanded the camp but was detained there along with other intellectuals from 1976-78, and was arbitrarily appointed in 1978 to head a camp committee responsible for handling food distribution, assigning work and organizing political indoctrination sessions.
Dec. 21, 1990
Meetings are held in Paris from Dec. 21-23, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
1991 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
May 8, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on foreign access to United States Ports; Cambodia is one of countries banned from the US ports. [Statement]
June, 4, 1991
Meetings are held in Jakarta from June 4-6, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
June 19, 1991
US Rep. McCollun introduces H.AMDT.182
June 24, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 24-26, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
July 16, 1991
Meetings are held in Beijing, China, from July 16-17. Prince Sihanouk is unanimously elected as the Pres. of the SNC.
July 29, 1991
US Senator McCain introduces S.AMDT.907 an amendment expressing the sense of the Congress with respect to relation between US and Vietnam and Cambodia.
Aug. 26, 1991
Meetings are held in Pattaya from Aug. 26-29, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
Sept. 19, 1991
Meetings are held in New York, in searching for the settlement of Cambodia conflict.
Oct. 16, 1991
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/717 to establish a United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia (UNAMIC) immediately after the signing of the agreements for a comprehensive political settlement.
Oct. 23, 1991
The Paris Conference reconvenes its second session, from Oct. 21-23, to conclude a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict. The Accord, among others, gives UN full authority to supervise a cease-fire, repatriate the displaced Cambodian along the border with Thailand, disarm and demobilize the factional armies, and to prepare the country for free and fair elections. [Original agreements in English French Khmer]
Nov. 11, 1991
The United States opened a Mission in Phnom Penh, headed by Charles H. Twining. Mr. Twining was a designated US Special Representative to the SNC.
Nov. 12, 1991
US Pres. Bush remarks to the Asia Society in New York City, “Let me give you a few examples of how we seek to build the peace. The conflict in Indochina has preoccupied this Nation for years. Finally, we've entered into a period of healing and constructive cooperation. We will work step-by-step to resolve the painful issues left by that war. The ASEAN nations, Japan, Australia, and the U.N. Security Council's permanent members recently forged a Cambodian peace process that promises free elections in a nation previously rent by tyranny and genocide. Just yesterday, for the first time in 16 years, we sent an accredited diplomat to Cambodia to participate in the peacemaking arrangements.”
Nov. 20, 1991
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution A/RES/46/18 expressing its full support for the agreements on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict “Paris Agreement”.
Nov. 14, 1991
Prince Norodom Sihanouk returns home after thirteen years in exile.
Dec. 17, 1991
US Press Secretary Fitzwater issues statement on Pres. Bush's meeting with Thai PM Anan Panyarachun, in which Cambodia was discussed. [Statement]
1992 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 2, 1992
US Pres. George Bush addresses the Australian Parliament in Canberra [The address] and holds news conference with Australia PM Paul J. Keating in Canberra; Cambodian peace plan is raised. [News conference]
Jan. 3, 1992
United States lift its sixteen year-old trade embargo and normalize economic relations with Cambodia. The US also end blanket opposition to lending to Cambodia by international financial institutions.
Jan. 4, 1992
US Pres. George Bush remarks with the Singapore Lecture Group, and holds news conference with Singapore PM Goh Chok Tong in Singapore; Cambodia is mention. [News conference].
Jan. 8, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/728 welcoming the operational of the UNAMIC, the SNC and the maintenance of the cease-fire. The Council also expresses concern about the existence of mines and minefields in Cambodia and considers establishing a training program in mine clearance.
Feb. 8, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on renaming the People’s National Bank of Cambodia (PNBC) to the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), and on the Force Physical Imprisonment in Criminal Cases.
Feb. 28, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/745 authorizing the deployment of about 22,000 UN troops, police officers and civilian administrators into Cambodia to oversee the Paris agreement. The force, called the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), would be one of the largest ever deployed by the UN; its cost is estimated at about $2 billion.
March 11-16, 1992
The first UN troops arrived in Cambodia and began implementation of the Paris Accord.
March 30, 1992
UN began repatriating refugees. The first 630 of 370,000 displaced Cambodians in Site 2 camp are repatriated, under the protection of UN troops.
April 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush signs resolution H.J. Res. 456, among others, providing fund of $270 million to finance special United Nations peacekeeping activities in Cambodia, El Salvador, Yugoslavia, and other countries. [Statement]
April 23, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement On The Network Of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific [27140].
May 26, 1992
Cambodia ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil and Political Rights [14531].
June 1992
Khmer Rouge refused to disarm as required by the phase two of Paris Accord, refused to allow UN peacekeeping troops to inspect the territory they controlled, and began sporadic attacks in the countryside.
June 12, 1992
Supreme National Council of Cambodia set up Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC).
June 22, 1992
Reconstruction aid pledge. An international donor meeting in Tokyo pledged US$880 million in rehabilitation aid for Cambodia; the Khmer Rouge was rebuked for noncompliance with Phase two of the Paris Agreement.
July 1, 1992
US Pres. Bush remarks following discussions with Japanese PM Kiichi Miyazawa, welcoming the passage of Japan's peace cooperation bill, which allow Japan to participate actively in building a lasting peace in Cambodia and in other world trouble spots. [Remark]
July 7, 1992
Munich Economic Summit Political Declaration, "We are seriously concerned at the present situation in Cambodia and urge all parties concerned to support UNTAC and uphold the still fragile peace process to bring it to a successful conclusion." [Read more]
July 14-15, 1992
Khmer Rouge escalated its military attacks by seizing six villages, shelling Kompong Thom province and attacking UN helicopters.
July 21, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/766 demanding the Khmer Rouge to comply with phase II of Paris Accord. The Khmer Rouge has refused to lay down their arms and allows the deployment of UNTAC to the areas under their control.
July 24, 1992
US Pres. Bush addresses the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, “Our years of trying to seek cooperation from Cambodia and the Soviets were not rewarded until just recently. The U.N.-sponsored settlement plan in Cambodia…….have opened the way for unprecedented access. We will push hard to translate this access into answers.” [Read more]
July 28, 1992
US Rep. Solarz introduces H.R.5708 a bill to establish an Office of Cambodian Genocide Investigation.
Aug. 13, 1992
Election process began. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Cambodia, Yasushi Akashi, signed the UNTAC Electoral Law, the blueprint for Cambodia's first multiparty election in decades.
Aug. 25, 1992
Cambodia deposited with UN an instrument of accession to the Agreement Establishing the International Fund for Agricultural Development [16041].
Aug. 27, 1992
SOC Pres. Heng Samrin promulgated the law on the Supervision of Financial Institutions.
Sept. 2, 1992
Cambodian govt. released 70 prisoners after UN human rights workers determined that they had been detained without trial. Some had been imprisoned for as long as ten years.
Sept. 10, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) adopted provision relating to the judiciary, and criminal law and procedure applicable in Cambodia during the transitional period. [Text of the provisions]
Sept. 22, 1992
The Supreme National Council (SNC) set a moratorium on the export of logs from Cambodia in order to protect Cambodia's natural resources; requests states, especially neighboring states, to respect the moratorium by not importing such logs; and request UNTAC to take appropriate measures to secure the implementation of the moratorium.
Sept. 25, 1992
US Pres.'s message to the Congress reporting on the National Emergency with respect to Export Control Regulations, "At the beginning of the year, I announced the lifting of the US embargo against Cambodia in response to the United Nations-directed comprehensive political settlement of the decades-long Cambodian conflict. In April the Commerce Department issued a rule removing Cambodia from the list of embargoed countries and revising licensing policies and procedures affecting Cambodia and Laos to allow these countries to receive general license treatment for exports and re-exports of many items."
Oct. 5, 1992
Voter registration began in Phnom Penh and throughout the provinces over the following three months which eventually 4,764,430 voters were registered.
Oct. 13, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/783 reiterating its demand for the Khmer Rouge to comply fully with phase II of Paris Accord. The Council also demands all Cambodian parties to respect for the cease-fire, help UNTAC to identify minefields, refrain from enlarging the territory under their control, and facilitate UNTAC in investigating reports of foreign forces in Cambodia.
Oct. 15, 1992
Cambodia ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment [24841], Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women [20378], Convention on the Rights of the Child [27531], and Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol [2545].
Nov. 30, 1992
The UN Security Council adopted a resolution S/RES/792 imposing a trade embargo on the areas under the Khmer Rouge's control. The Council orders an end to all oil deliveries to the Khmer Rouge and orders Thailand to stop allowing the export through Thai territory of timber and gems, which is the Khmer Rouge's prime source of revenue. The move is a response to the Khmer Rouge's refusal to comply with the phase II of Paris Accord signed in Oct. 1991.
Dec. 2-4, 1992
Khmer Rouge captured six UN soldiers on Dec. 2 and accused them of spying. According to UNTAC, the six had been traveling unarmed near the town of Kompong Thom in observing troop movements as part of their peacekeeping mission. All are released on Dec. 4.
Dec. 19, 1992
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Basic Agreement in the Field of Rubber. [Original agreement English French]
Dec. 22, 1992
UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/209 concerning the financing of UNTAC.
Dec. 28, 1992
Khieu Samphan, the Khmer Rouge's leader, warned that UN personnel would be taken captive if they attempt to monitor UN sanctions, which was imposed on the Khmer Rouge by the UN Security Council on Nov. 30.
1993 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 4, 1993
Citing an increasing political violence against FUNCINPEC and failure of UNTAC to curtail it, Prince Sihanouk, chairman of Supreme National Council, informed UNTAC in letter that he is withdrawing from the peace process; ceasing from cooperation with UNTAC and the State of Cambodia.
Jan. 11, 1993
UNTAC announced the creation of a special prosecutor's office to bring to justice those guilty of political killings. A multinational team of civilian police officers that operate under UNTAC's auspices had an arrest power.
Jan. 26, 1993
Khmer Rouge issued a statement in Phnom Penh that it would not participate in the peace process unless it is provided a share of power and guarantees that all Vietnamese had left Cambodia.
Jan. 28, 1993
General election announced. The Supreme National Council and UNTAC representatives announced that general elections for a 120-seat National Assembly in Cambodia would be held in May.
Jan. 29, 1993
The RGC launched a large-scale military offensive against Khmer Rouge in north-central and western Cambodia.
Feb. 11, 1993
French Pres. Francois Mitterrand began a two-day visit to Cambodia, a former French colony. His visit was the first by a French leader since Charles de Gaulle's sojourn in 1966. Mitterrand urged all Cambodian factions to honor the UN-sponsored peace process. The two countries also signed a few agreement: (1) Protocol of Agreement concerning technical assistance to the Calmette hospital [Agreement in English French]; (2) Protocol of agreement on technical assistance to the mixed faculty of medicine, pharmacy and odontostomatology [English French]; and (3) Framework Agreement in the field of health [English French].
Feb. 27, 1993
A UN chief administrator in Cambodia Gerard Porcell resigned citing the UN's failure to curtail the violence and intimidation allegedly carried out by the Khmer Rouge and the State of Cambodia.
March 1, 1993
UN officials revealed that they had identified three former Vietnamese soldiers in Cambodia who qualified as foreign forces under the 1991 peace accords and should be deported. All three had entered Cambodia during Vietnam's invasion in 1978, and had become Cambodian citizen after marrying local women.
March 8, 1993
UN Security Council formally endorsed the forthcoming elections in Cambodia, although the Khmer Rouge's refusal to participate.
March 28, 1993
More Than 2000 ethnic Vietnamese fled by boat down the Tonle Sap River toward Vietnam after a series of brutal attacks, which Khmer Rouge was widely suspected of perpetrating the attacks. Khmer Rouge vocally denounced the presence of hundreds of thousands Vietnamese in Cambodia.
April 3, 1993
Khieu Samphan, in an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review, dismisses the forthcoming elections as a Western plot to destroy the Khmer Rouge, and called for an establishment of a national reconciliation govt. that include the Khmer Rouge without the election.
April 6, 1993
US Defense Dept. said that it was recalling its 48-member team searching for US servicemen missing in action in Cambodia during the Vietnam War. The Dept. said the team had come under Khmer Rouge's attacks.
April 8, 1993
Atsuhito Nakata, a Japanese UN electoral observer, and his Cambodian interpreter are gunned down. About UN 40 volunteers resign after the killing.
April 13, 1993
The Khmer Rouge close their offices in Phnom Penh and withdrew from the capital. Khieu Samphan said in a letter that Khmer Rouge officials fear for their safety because of deteriorating security in the capital.
May 2, 1993
Thailand's Interior Ministry had proposed reopening its border with Cambodia to allow the importation of timbers. The border was closed after the UN Security Council imposed sanctions on the Khmer Rouge in Nov. 1992 for its failure to comply Phase II of Paris Accord.
May 3, 1993
More than 200 Khmer Rouge raid the provincial capital of Siem Reap and occupy the airport for about two hours before they are driven off by the govt. troops.
May 23-28, 1993
General elections are held under the auspices of UNTAC.
June 10, 1993
Constituent Assembly. UNTAC releases the final tally of the May election showing that FUNCINPEC received 1.82 million votes or 45.5%; CPP 1.53 million votes or 38.2%; BLDP 152,764 votes or 3.8%; and the remaining votes divided among the other 17 political parties. In the 120-seat assembly, FUNCINPEC would get 58 seats; CPP 51; BLDP 10 and Moulinaka 1.
June 12, 1993
Secession attempt. Prince Norodom Chakrapong, an incumbent deputy prime minister in Hun Sen's govt., declares the establishment of an autonomous zone (Kompong Cham, Prey Veng, and Svay Rieng province). He said he is acting in the name of his father in rejecting the validity of the May election results; however, some observers speculated that the Prince's move is a ploy backed by Hun Sen to press Prince Ranariddh to accept the CPP as a coalition partner.
June 13, 1993
Prince Ranariddh instructs his 5000-strong army to ready itself for battle against the secessionist forces of Prince Chakrapong, who is his half-brother.
June 14, 1993
The Constituent Assembly convenes for the first time and grants Prince Sihanouk all powers for Head of State to govern the nation. The Assembly also declares the 1970 coup, which ousted Prince Sihanouk from power, as illegal. Following the Assembly vote, the State of Cambodia renounces all state powers.
A spokesman reject any involves of govt. with the secession attempt by Prince Chakrapong and insists he acts on his own. Meanwhile, Hun Sen flies to Kampong Cham and after conferring with local authorities, he informs the UNTAC chief Yasushi Akshi that he had been able to defuse secessionist moves and that the provinces remain under govt. control.
June 18, 1993
FUNCINPEC and CPP agree to share power in an interim govt., ending their post-electoral maneuvering. The agreement calls for Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen to be co-presidents and division of cabinet posts equally. Two smaller parties, the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Part and Moulinaka, are also to be represented in the interim govt., which to govern until the Constituent Assembly drafted a new constitution.
Prince Ranariddh and Hun Sen agrees that Prince Sihanouk would serve as the interim supreme commander of the Cambodian armed forces, which composed of the former armies of the State of Cambodia, FUNCINPEC and the BLDP.
Aug. 17, 1993
An ad hoc Commission, which was created by the Constituent Assembly on June 14, produced a draft Constitution.
Aug. 18-20, 1993
In responding to a series of Khmer Rouge attacks, govt. launches a three-day offensive against the rebel bases in northwest Cambodia, involving some 6000 troops. Govt. troops overrun Khmer Rouge's base at Kouk Krasbas on Aug. 19 and capture some 200 rebels and an array of weapons. And Phnom Chat, major Khmer Rouge arms depot, captured on Aug. 20.
Sept. 9, 1993
The International Committee for the Reconstruction of Cambodia ends its two-day meeting in Paris with a pledge of $119 million in additional financial aid to Cambodia.
Sept. 21, 1993
The Constituent Assembly votes 113 to 5, with two abstentions, to adopt a new constitution (Cambodia's sixth constitution since independence in 1953). The country officially renames to Kingdom of Cambodia.
Sept. 24, 1993
The newly adopted constitution is promulgated. On the same day, Prince Norodom Sihanouk is reinstated as Cambodia's king (constitutional sovereign).
Sept. 26, 1993
UNTAC ends its most ambitious peacekeeping mission in Cambodia; the mission last 18 months and $1.7 billion, the most expensive mission ever conduct by the UN.
Dec. 17, 1993
Cambodia and France signed in Phnom Penh a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of building and public works. [MOU in English French]
Dec. 22, 1993
New Zealand and UN signed an Agreement in New York relating to the Provision of Personnel to Support De-mining program in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
1994 Chronology Of Cambodian History
Abbreviations on this page
Jan. 13,1994
Cambodia and Thailand sign agreement on the establishment of the Joint Commission for the Bilateral Cooperation between the two countries.
Jan. 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN exchanged letters constituting an agreement concerning the status of the team of military liaison officers in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
Feb. 1, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.1332
March 1994
Govt. troops captured Pailin from Khmer Rouge.
May 10, 1994
Cambodia and France signed in Paris a Basic Agreement on cultural, scientific and technical cooperation. [Agreement in English French]
May 26, 1994
US Rep. Rohrabacher introduces H.R.4530
June 1994
Govt. closed Khmer Rouge offices in Phnom Penh. Shortly afterward the National Assembly outlawed the Khmer Rouge.
June 1, 1994
Cambodia and UN Children’s Fund signed in Phnom Penh a Basic cooperation agreement. [Agreement in English French]
July 2, 1994
Govt. officials reported that a coup led by Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song (both members of the Cabinet) had been foiled when govt. troops intercepted 200-300 dissident soldiers in armored vehicles and trucks as they were advancing on Phnom Penh. After many hours of telephone conversations that involved the king, who was in China for medical treatment, the queen, Chakrapong, govt. officials, and US ambassador, Prince Chakrapong was allowed to board a plane and go into exile in Malaysia. Gen. Sin Song was placed under arrest.
July 14, 1994
US Senator McCain proposes S.AMDT.2278
July 15, 1994
UN and Netherlands signed in New York a Memorandum of Understanding for the provision of personnel to support de-mining program in Cambodia. [MOU in English French]
July 20, 1994
National Assembly adopted the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Council of Ministers. [Full Text]
Aug. 27, 1994
Prince Chakrapong issues a press release denying that he staged a coup. [Read the press release]
Sept. 13, 1994
Cambodia and UNHCR signed in Phnom Penh an agreement on the establishing of a UNHCR field office in Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
Oct. 20, 1994
Economy and Finance Minister, Sam Rainsy, resigned.
Oct. 28, 1994
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Norodom Sirivudh, resigned.
Prince Chakrapong and Gen. Sin Song were sentenced in absentia to 20 years each and other eight high ranking military officers who also fled the country were given 15-prison term.
Nov. 28, 1994
Cambodia deposited with UN instrument of accessions on International Convention on Load Lines [9159], Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea [15824], Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage [14097], and Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea [18961].
Dec. 12, 1994
51 Buddhist books that were given to the Australian govt. for safekeeping in 1974 were returned to Cambodia.
Dec. 16, 1994
Cambodia and International Development Association signed in Phnom Penh an agreement relating to Development Credit. [Agreement in English French]
Dec. 19, 1994
Cambodia and UN signed a Basic agreement, in Phnom Penh, concerning assistance by the UNDP to Cambodia. [Agreement in English French]
