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The file photo taken on Aug. 18, 2004 shows Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk being interviewed by Chinese media. Norodom Sihanouk has abdicated, Norodom Ranarith, president of the Cambodian National Assembly, announced in Phnom Penh on Oct. 7, 2004. The king said in a statement that he decided to retire because of old age and health. (Xinhua photo/Hu Haixin)
Norodom Sihanouk, Nov. 6, 2002.(Xinhua File Photo)
The file photo taken on Nov. 16, 1991 shows Norodom Sihanouk gesturing during a press conference in Phnom Penh. (Xinhua photo/Li Yonghong)
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Cambodia's King
Norodom Sihanouk has abdicated, the head of the National Assembly announced here
Thursday.
The king made the announcement in a letter read to
the National Assembly early Thursday by his son Prince Norodm Ranariddh, who is
also head of the assembly.
"I ask all compatriots to please allow me to retire,"
the king's letter said. The king also asked the people to begin a search ofa
successor, said Ranariddh.
The king asked the country to form a nine-member
throne council to consider the next monarch, the statement said.
The king said in statement that he asked retirement
because of his fragile health. Enditem | 
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