Word: khmer
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...weeks other Cambodian leaders had been telling Lon Nol that only his departure could open the way to eventual accommodation with the surging Khmer Rouge, who control virtually all of Cambodia's countryside and have brought the few remaining government-held cities under rocket bombardment. Even as he tearfully made his exit, Lon Nol insisted that his absence would be only temporary; he had elicited a face-saving invitation to the exotic isle of Bali from his friend Indonesian President Suharto. In reality, however, Lon Nol, 61, was finished. After a two-week rest in Indonesia, he planned...
...into exile in Peking and turned his kingdom into a republic. Sihanouk was mercurial and eccentric. Lon Nol, who was partially paralyzed by a stroke four years ago, was withdrawn and mystic. As Lon Nol's regime became tainted with corruption, Sihanouk managed to ingratiate himself with the Khmer Rouge. The Prince may yet make a comeback in Cambodia, but most likely as a figurehead under the tight control of the Khmer Rouge...
...southeast, 30 miles down the Mekong, the government lost its last two strongholds. After a siege of three months, the insurgents overpowered stubborn resistance, often in bloody, hand-to-hand combat, to capture the twin towns of Banam and Neak Luong. The victory freed some 4,000 Khmer Rouge troops who were reported to be making their way up the Mekong in sampans for the looming assault on the capital. To the east, the attackers overran several government positions to come within mortar and rocket range of the main navy base at the Chrouy Changvar promontory on the Mekong River...
Besides looking for ways to buttress his sagging armed forces, Saukam Khoy announced that he would seek a cease-fire with the Khmer Rouge and negotiations to establish a coalition government. The only response from the shadowy Communist insurgents was a step-up in their attacks throughout the country. After withstanding a prolonged seige, the government last week finally abandoned the city of Kompong Seila, 70 miles southwest of Phnom-Penh, and airlifted 2,000 civilians and troops out of the city. The Khmer Rouge advanced within mortar range of the airport at Battambang, the country's second largest...
...finally makes up his mind to leave, it may in no small measure be due to Cambodia's students. Last week, as rumors swept the capital that time had run out for the President and that a coup was imminent, leaders of the Association of Students of the Khmer Republic, which claims 20,000 members, held a press conference. Known as uncompromising opponents of Lon Nol, the students demanded dissolution of the National Assembly and the convening of a "National Congress" in April, at which - according to them - Cambodians would be able to "express their true views." Many...