Cambodian deputy PM urges opposition to join parliament

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Friday that the country's main opposition party should join the National Assembly if it really wants to debate on an electoral reform or a re-election. "The CNRP should end protests on streets and join the National Assembly if it really wants to demand for an electoral reform or a re-vote," Hor Namhong said during a meeting with visiting British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire. The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), led by longtime opposition leader Sam Rainsy, has boycotted parliament and held a series of protests to demand an electoral reform and a re-election after last July's disputed election that handed victory to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). According to the nation's constitution, the National Assembly cannot be dissolved before a five-year term ends, Hor Namhong said, adding that the opposition's demand for a re-election or an early election needs an amendment to the constitution. "And if there is any amendment to the constitution, it is necessary for both sides to sit down and debate in the National Assembly," he said. "So the opposition should join the National Assembly to debate on these matters." Hor Namhong said the ruling CPP' door is still open for negotiations with the opposition on the dispute. Political row between the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP has persisted since the July polls, in which the CPP won 68 parliamentary seats and the CNRP got 55 seats. Claiming serious irregularities, the CNRP refused to accept the results and has boycotted parliament and held protests to demand the resignation of Hun Sen and a re-vote. For his part, Swire said that it was essential for the two parties to meet and negotiate for a peaceful solution to the differences. Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues including territorial disputes between Japan and its neighbors including South Korea and China. Swire arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a two-day visit to promote bilateral ties and to understand the current political situation in Cambodia. During his stay, Swire will pay a courtesy call on Hun Sen and meet with opposition leaders.