[Norodom Sihanouk], who ruled Cambodia until his ouster by a right-wing coup in 1970, said [Hun Sen]'s government had made significant concessions in the new constitution by accepting the right of private property, a free market, foreign investment and the declaration of Buddhism as the state religion of Cambodia.

Western analysts believe that for Hun Sen, the prospect of Sihanouk returning to Cambodia without the Khmer Rouge would be a major triumph. While Sihanouk has little in the way of a national army to contribute, he has enormous prestige as the personification of Cambodia, he has international acceptability and his inclusion as head of state would make it almost impossible for the United States and other governments to continue withholding recognition from the Phnom Penh regime, ending the country's isolation.

Prince Norodom Sihanouk, 67, has agreed conditionally to return to Phnom Penh as Cambodia's head of state . . . he ruled Cambodia from 1941 to 1970, under Japan and then France and with a variety of titles, including king, prime minister and head of state. . . . He has lived abroad since his ouster in 1970 . . . maintains residences in Paris, Pyongyang and Beijing . . . has said often that his dream is to go home to a free and peaceful Cambodia. . . . He agreed in February to resume presidency of coalition government-in-exile-a post he resigned last July-formed by three factions of resistance movement and recognized by the United Nations. . . . He has been described as "mercurial, alert, sensitive and stubborn," with many interests including the saxophone, which he has played in own jazz group . . . has also written musical pieces, including military marches, and performed in films written and produced with help of friends. . . . He is said to be an accomplished linguist and fond of driving fast cars.