Prince Norodom Ranariddh Wednesday transfers FUNCINPEC party's rights and power for the first time to Prince Norodom Sirivudh, his uncle, who is the party general secretary to be the party's acting president in his place, to lead the party indefinitely.
This transfer of rights and power occurs during the internal tension inside the party and outside attacks, according to Prince Ranariddh's letter of transfer.
This transfer also occurs after Prime Minister Hun Sen attacks Prince Ranariddh publicly for many weeks, about national issues and the conflict inside the FUNCINPEC party led by the prince, and the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) led by Mr. Hun Sen about the appointment of the parties' general secretaries and the National Assembly's vice presidents appointments.
Prince Ranariddh specifies in his letter of power and rights transfer signed on 03-14 distributed to the media, that he announces the transfer of rights to Prince Norodom Sirivudh to be acting president to lead FUNCINPEC party and to sign necessary official documents which require the party's president's signature during his absence until his return.
Prince Ranariddh's aunt Princess Norodom Vicheara, president of the National Committee on Foreign Affairs, says that the prince went to France for health reason.
Opposition party leader Sam Rainsy declines to comment on FUNCINPEC party's internal affairs, only saying that the prince goes to France to teach.