A reorganised Funcinpec which may elect Toan Choy, the powerful Governor of Siem Reap province, as its new President will remain an effective partner in the coalition. The Funcinpec has also accepted the well-liked Foreign Minister, Ung Huot, as the new First Prime Minister. The National Assembly which meets on 28 July is expected to endorse his nomination. Of course, the power equation in Phnom Penh has changed with Hun Sen in total control but the basic structure of government remains the same. Besides, Norodom Sihanouk remains the Head of State, the National Assembly retains its legislative authority and the government s administrative machinery continues to function.
Accords is very much in operation.
If these realities are considered against the backdrop of what led to the July 5 episode we would begin to see the present Cambodian situation in a somewhat different light. A number of analysts well versed with Cambodian affairs have argued that it was Ranariddh who precipitated the actual conflict by bringing soldiers and weapons into Phnom Penh to oust Hun Sen. He is also alleged to have colluded with Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan to challenge Hun Sen and his Cambodia People s Party. These and other actions of his had caused serious factionalism within the Funcinpec leading to the establishment of a breakaway faction in June. This explains to some extent why even the Funcinpec Secretary-General, Loy Sim Cheang, and other prominent leaders are eagerly trying to restructure the party without Ranariddh.