Jolie Given Cambodian Citizenship
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has been awarded Cambodian citizenship in recognition of her environmental and conservation work in the country.
King Norodom Sihamoni signed a royal decree approving the citizenship on 31 July, officials said on Friday.
Jolie, who adopted a Cambodian boy in 2002, was offered citizenship during her last visit to Cambodia in 2004.
The Tomb Raider star, who has since adopted a second child, said at the time she would be “thrilled” to accept.
“This is what we have dreamed for her for a long time,” said Mounh Sarath, director of the Cambodian Vision in Development group.
‘Good heart’
Jolie, 30, has pledged $5m (ÂŁ3.2m) to set up a wildlife sanctuary in the north-western province of Battambang, where she has bought a home.
But Mr Sarath said the actress deserved citizenship “not because of the money she has given but [for] her good heart and love” for the Cambodian people.
Toun Siphan, director of the government’s international relations department, said her adoption of a Cambodian orphan – Maddox, now four – had also played a part in the decision.
The legal document signed by the king gives Cambodian nationality to Jolie, “an American born on 4 June 1975 in Los Angeles, USA”.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk