Cambodia's acting head of state, senate speaker Chea Sim, has signed a law on royal succession.

The legislation says the Throne Council must select a new king within one week of the king's death, retirement or abdication.

It also determines that Prince Sihamoni is the only potential candidate for the throne.

Sihamoni, 51, was a former permanent representative to the United Nations and Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris.

King Norodom Sihanouk announced his retirement last week due to health reasons.

(CRI October 13, 2004)