UNTAC mandate ends; new constitution, government welcomed.

• Position: United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia

United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on 24 September called the creation of a new Constitution and Government for Cambodia, based on the will of the people expressed through free and fair elections organized by the UN, a "historic achievement". The elections were held from 23 to 28 May 1993.

Also, on 24 September, the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) - established in February 1992 to oversee the complex political process - ended its mandated functions, the Secretary-General stated. That successful conclusion showed what the international community could achieve when it was united and determined in pursuit of a worthy goal, and when the people concerned were willing to make mutual accommodation and concessions.

Under the "wise guidance" of His Royal Highness Prince Norodom Sihanouk, its people had overcome more than two decades of strife and devastation, and laid a sound foundation for rebuilding a peaceful and democratic Cambodia, the Secretary-General said.

On 24 September, Prince Sihanouk was elected King of Cambodia by the Royal Council of the Throne. Acting in accordance with the newly promulgated Cambodian Constitution, King Sihanouk appointed as First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh, his son and leader of the Front uni national pour un Cambodge independant, neutre, pacifique et cooperatif (FUNCINPEC) party, which had won 58 seats in the 120-seat Constituent Assembly. Hun Sen, whose Cambodian People's Party (CPP) had won 51 seats, was appointed Second Prime Minister.

The Cambodian people and Government would still need the assistance of the international community in the years ahead, Mr. Boutros-Ghali stressed. The UN, for its part, remained committed to supporting Cambodia in the continuing challenge of post-conflict nation building.

Following the appointment of the two Prime Ministers, the constituent assembly was transformed into the National Assembly, bringing the UN mandate to an end. As of 22 September, some 9,700 peace-keepers remained in Cambodia, although there were daily departures of forces. Until the completion of the military-withdrawal phase, that component would remain under the command of Brigadier-General Tuswandi of Indonesia. The Secretary-General's Special Representative. Yasushi Akashi, left Cambodia for New York on 26 September.

The last day for Radio UNTAC broadcasts, which had played a major role in the information programme in Cambodia, was 22 September.

On 27 August, the...