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Cambodia's ex-king Norodom Sihanouk dies at 89

Norodom Sihanouk (born in 1922) has been referred to as "world record holder among monarchs for duration of stay on the throne

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

Photo EPA/ITAR-TASS

BEIJING, October 15 (Itar-Tass) — Norodom Sihanouk, ex-King of Cambodia, died here on Monday at the age of 89. He has been undergoing treatment for cancer recently, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Norodom Sihanouk (born in 1922) has been referred to as "world record holder among monarchs for duration of stay on the throne. He ascended the throne in 1941 and has been staying on the throne with intervials until 2004. On October 6, 2004, Norodom Sihanouk transferred his powers to his youngest son, Norodom Siamoni Bornmmmneath.

The former King was invariably notable for enviable zest for life.

The outstanding politician, regissseur, composer, and football player, he even at the age of 82 created a blog in the Internet, sharing his optimism with his fellow countrymen despite the fact that at that time he was already ill with cancer. The website won popularity with users and everyone wished the Farther King 300 years of happy life.

King Norodom Siamoni is expected to arrive here by air later in the day to collect his father's body and bring it home where a funeral ceremony is to be held.

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