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Cambodia's ruling party holds congress despite absence of party president

Xinhua, January 30, 2015 Adjust font size:

The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) held its 37th national congress on Friday despite the absence of ailing party president Chea Sim.

Prime Minister and CPP's Vice President Hun Sen and National Assembly President and CPP's Honorary President Heng Samrin presided over the three-day meeting, which was attended by approximately 1,350 party senior officials.

Speaking at the opening session, Hun Sen said Chea Sim, 82, who is also head of the Senate, could not attend the event due to health issue.

"For us, as long as he is alive, the president of the party is still the president of the party. This is the spirit of solidarity among the leaders of the Cambodian People's Party," he said.

Chea Sim is presently having a medical treatment at a hospital, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng on Thursday.

Addressing the opening of the congress, Heng Samrin said the party has failed to convene a congress since its last one in March 2013 due to disruptions by the opposition party and its supporters following the disputed general elections in July 2013.

He said over the course of three days, the congress will review last year's achievements and set future targets for implementation.

"Also, the congress will vote to add some new members to the ( party's) central committee," he said.

The CPP has ruled the country since 1979.

In the 2013 general elections, the CPP won an absolute majority vote, receiving 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party. Endi