PHNOM PENH. Sept 10: Prince Norodom Sihanouk said Friday that his return to Cambodia would be delayed several weeks so he could undergo an operation to remove a small tumour In his colon, reports AP.

Sihanouk said in a statement that doctors In China, where he has a residence, discovered the tumour on Wednesday and he must have It removed before returning to Cambodia. The statement did not say If the tumour was cancerous.

Sihanouk said this newly Is covered health problem, as well as the hardening of his arteries, requires him to seek prolonged treatment at the central state hospital of Beijing. He said he hoped he would be well enough to return In October.

Sihanouk was originally to return to Cambodia September 15 after almost two months abroad In North Korea and China.

He was to be here for the adoption of the country's new constitution and the formation of the government elected in the UN -organised elections this past May. '

Sihanouk addressed all Cambodians in the statement, saying "I will hurry to return to our country and close to you in order to serve you when the problem In the base of my large intestine Is resolved," he said.