Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy agree with the King to stop bloodshed on streets

By Heng Neang
New Youth

Sam Rainsy (right) and Hun Sen leave from about four-hour meeting at the National Assembly in the afternoon on Sept 16, 2013.

Phnom Penh (September 16, 2013): Prime Minister Hun Sen who is also Vice President of Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and Sam Rainsy, Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP) — on Monday afternoon ended some four-hour meeting at the national assembly to find solution for political crisis since 28 July elections.

Prak Sokhon, the meeting spokesman, told reporters after the meeting that the discussion was in understandable environment with friendly talk “between Khmer and Khmer” but there are some points still not agreed by the both sides, especially on the date of the first parliamentary meeting.

The two parties have also agreed to follow the King’s appeal and accepted to set up a mechanism to reform the National Election Committee, Prak Sokhon said.

According to a joint statement of CPP and CNRP released after the meeting, the two parties will continue to talk for the national interest.

King Norodom Sihamoni earlier Monday expressed his concern and regret for the bloody clash Sunday night leaving at least one young man dead and several others, including a young journalist from New Youth print and online media, were wounded.

The King last Saturday officially recognised the controversial results, paving the way for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s CPP to rule the country for the next five years. The King also invited the two political foes to kick off the first meeting of the National Assembly on September 23, 2013. However, CNRP leaders on Sunday asked the King to delay.