Cambodia's national television, Phnom Penh Television Kampuchea, a government-run television, in Cambodian at 1134 GMT on 3 March carries, before its prime-time evening newscast, an announcer-read letter--dated Phnom Penh, 3 March 2006--to "Samdech Chea Sim, chairman of the Cambodian People's Party [CPP], and Samdech Hun Sen, vice chairman of the CPP," from "National Assembly Chairman" Prince Norodom Ranariddh tendering his "resignation" from the national assembly chairmanship.

In the letter, Ranariddh says, "In my capacity as the national assembly chairman, I have to enact many roles, like leading the National Assembly and carrying overseas missions, that do not provide me, as a people's representative and the leader of the FUNCINPEC [National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful, and Cooperative Cambodia] Party, the possibilities of paying visit to the people and party members at the grass roots.

"The protocol on the cooperation agreement between the CPP and the FUNCINPEC Party has determined that I should accept the role as the national assembly chairman. However, with the intention of strengthening and pushing forward the FUNCINPEC Party, I wish to ask for the understanding from you, the two samdechs, allowing me to resign from the national assembly chairmanship.

"Hoping to receive the understanding from you, the two samdechs, I would like to ask that you accept the highest regards from me.

"Phnom Penh, 3 March 2006

"[Signed] Norodom Ranariddh

Chairman of the FUNCINPEC Party

"Copies to:

- His Majesty King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamomi as information for his highest knowledge."