Top CPP leader says the ruling party ready for talks at all levels with the opposition

The Cambodia Herald, Jan. 7, 2013

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- The ruling Cambodian People’s Party today reaffirmed its commitment to negotiation with the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party to end the post-election political crisis, according to one of the three top leaders of the Party.

“The Cambodian People’s Party reaffirms that it continues to maintain a position that strictly and truly adheres to goodwill and faithfulness in conducting negotiation at every level with the National Rescue Party aimed at solving the remaining issues so that the two parties can both serve the interest of our nation and people,” said Heng Samrin, the honorary president of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), in his speech during the 35th Anniversary of the 7-January Victory which overthrew the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.

Cambodia is currently in political deadlock due to the parliamentary boycott by the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) led by Cambodia-French politician Sam Rainsy.

CNRP demanded a new election and the resignation of Prime Minister, saying that there were too many irregularities during the last July election after the result showed that CPP won 68 and CNRP won 55 in the 123-seat National Assembly.

CPP also vows to launch election reform, according to Heng Samrin.

Heng Samring, who is also the President of the National Assembly, told 10, 000 supporters who attended the anniversary, that with regard to organizing elections of terms to come, the Cambodian People’s Party fully supports the statement of the Royal Government of Cambodia to further the process of reform of the elections starting from the seminar to be organized early this year in conformity with the joint communiqué of the 16-September-2013 summit of the two parties.

However, he warned that CPP will do everything possible for the sake of defending the elected National Assembly and the Royal Government, the Constitution and democracy. It will not allow any political force or ill-willed circle to falter the national progress and achievements that our people have realized upon so much hardship over the past 35 years.