PHNOM PENH, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia appointed Gen. Sao Sokha, commander of the Military Police and deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), as the acting commander-in-chief of the RCAF on Saturday, a spokesman said.
Gen. Chhum Socheat, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, said lieutenant Gen. Hun Manet, deputy commander of the Army Headquarters, was appointed to the acting commander of the Army Headquarters and the acting joint chief of staff of the RCAF.
According to Gen. Socheat, the appointment ceremony was held under the presidency of Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Tea Banh.
The appointments came after RCAF commander-in-chief Gen. Pol Saroeun, Army Headquarters commander Gen. Meas Sophea, and RCAF joint chief of staff Gen. Kun Kim had left their positions temporarily in order to stand as lawmaker candidates in the July 29 national election, he said.
They all are key members of the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). Gen. Saroeun was nominated as a lawmaker candidate for Preah Sihanouk province, and both Gen. Sophea and Gen. Kim were nominated as lawmaker candidates for Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, respectively.
