PHNOM PENH (Cambodia Herald) - Prime Minister Hun Sen began Thursday morning what was expected to be a marathon address in the National Assembly on border issues with Vietnam.

With a quorum of 102 lawmakers out of 123, he appeared at the National Assembly with 10 deputy prime ministers along with various ministers and secretaries of state.

Before the address got underway, National Assembly President Heng Samrin announced that questions were not allowed.

In his opening remarks, Hun Sen attacked exiled opposition Sam Rainsy for uprooting border posts.

At the same time, he expressed his appreciation to senior Sam Rainsy Party lawmaker Son Chhay for writing a letter requesting the prime minister to clarify border issues.

The address was being broadcast live on television. Seated directly behind Hun Sen to the right was Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Men Sam An. To the left was Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong.