Cambodian gov't calls on people to keep calm as opposition sets to protest

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 1, 2013 (Xinhua) -- The Cambodian government appealed to the people to stay calm and make their living as normal although the opposition announced to stage a massive protest on Sept. 7 against the results of the July 28 election in which Prime Minister Hun Sen's party won a majority of vote.
"The government would like to appeal to all compatriots to continue keeping calm and make daily living as usual at their respective localities," said a government statement released to the media on Sunday.
The statement said that participating in any protest related to the election results was the freedom of expression of every citizen; however, the exercise of this right must not violate and infringe on the rights, freedom, and dignity of other people, good tradition of society, public order and national security.
It also called on all authorities and competent armed forces at all levels to carefully implement their respective duties with high responsibility and adherence to the laws.
"In the meantime, in carrying out these duties, the authorities and competent armed forces must associate themselves to the highest standard of morality, virtue and patience and strictly observe the laws avoiding at all cost of potential clashes," the statement said.
The government also advised foreigners living in Cambodia to keep reasonable distance from all protests related to the election.
In addition, it urged the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which are the only two parties that won seats in parliament during the July 28 election to exercise their utmost restraints and respect the will of the voters.
"The two parties should continue to resolve problems peacefully in accordance with the constitution and laws in force for the noble interest of the nation reflecting our solidarity, national unity and continuity of our homeland," it said.
The statement came after CNRP President Sam Rainsy on Thursday set Sept. 7 for a massive nonviolent protest against the election results if the ruling CPP of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen did not resume talks with his party towards the formation of a proposed independent poll irregularity probe committee.

The CPP said that the party was ready to resume talks with the CNRP, but ruled out the possibility of talks on the formation of a special investigation committee since it violated the country's constitution.
Some 2,000 anti-riot police got a special training session on Sunday at the capital's Diamond Island Center in preparation for dealing with any disordered protests.
Initial election results showed that the CPP won the poll with 68 of the 123 parliamentary seats, and the CNRP took the remaining 55 seats.
But the CNRP claimed that it should win 63 seats, with the CPP getting the remaining 60 seats if alleged poll irregularities were fairly resolved.
Currently, the Constitutional Council, which is the country's final arbiter, has been resolving complaints filed by the opposition party against the election results, but the opposition accused the Constitutional Council of being loyal to the CPP.
Official election results will be issued on Sept. 8.
Under the country's constitution, a new parliament will be inaugurated no later than 60 days after the election.
Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that a new parliament and a new government would be established as scheduled despite the opposition's boycott.
According to the constitution, he said, a new government would be formed by a 50 percent plus one majority, or 63 lawmakers, in the new parliament.
Hun Sen, 61, who has been in power for 28 years, will rule the country for another five years through the election victory.

Editor: Zhu Ningzhu