Cambodia's 'king-father' to be cremated

(AP) Thousands of mourners are gathering in the capital for the cremation of former King Norodom Sihanouk, the much-revered figure who survived wars and the murderous Khmer Rouge to hold center stage in Cambodia for more than half a century.

His body has been lying in state since being flown from Beijing, where after a tumultuous life of triumph and tragedy, he died Oct. 15 of a heart attack at the age of 89.

The elaborate cremation will be presided over by his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, a former ballet dancer who lacks the stature and power of his father.