Cambodian PM offers condolences at Roh`s death

By Lee Chi-dong
PHNOM PENH, May 23 (Yonhap) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday
offered his condolences following the death of former South Korean President Roh
Moo-hyun, who he said made large contributions to the improvement of ties between
Korea and Southeast Asia.
"I don't know how to express my sadness. I express sincere, deep condolences,"
the prime minister told a group of South Korean reporters visiting here. "I
didn't hear yet about the exact reason for his death, but I can't contain my
sadness over the news."
He noted that Roh had given much aid and support to Cambodia during his
presidency from 2003-2008, recalling Roh's visits to Phnom Penh and Siem Riep,
home of the Angkor temple complex.
"He also had close relations with many other ASEAN nations. His death is very
regrettable," he said.
In 2006, Hun Sen and Roh traveled together to Siem Riep to attend the opening
ceremony of the Angkor-Gyeongju culture expo.
Roh, who had been under investigation for his alleged involvement in a bribery
scandal, died Saturday morning after falling from a mountainside near his
retirement home in the southern city of Gimhae.
His lawyer has said that Roh left behind a suicide note.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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