Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen reminds the Cambodian troops who are going to participate in the UN peacekeeping efforts in Sudan to have dignity, and respect for Sudan's people and its sovereignty.
Speaking at a ceremony to send the troops off to Sudan, Hun Sen warns his troops not to follow the examples of the United Nations Transitional Authority for Cambodia's (UNTAC) officials in the early 1990s.
The prime minister said UNTAC officials had committed many wrongdoings to the Cambodian people, such as violating its sovereignty, and using UN's immunity for the wrong purposes.
Mr. Hun Sen says UNTAC soldiers used their immunities to export goods without paying taxes and therefore, making it difficult for Cambodia to control the economy.
He reminds the troops that their behavior in Sudan is very important because it reflects the dignity of the Cambodian's people.
NGO Licadho's director Ms. Pung Chhiv Kek says she supported PM Hun Sen's comments to the troops. However she also reminds Cambodia that without UNTAC, Cambodia maybe still be at war today.
Army captain Buth Loeung Son, who's among the soldiers going to Sudan on April 15, says he has no problem following the prime minister's advise because he says it's an honor for Cambodia to be able to participate in the UN peacekeeping efforts.