CPP and CNRP Leaders Meet for Third Time to Resolve Differences

Cambodia (Kohker) – Leaders of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) met again at the National Assembly building for a third time this morning to continue their political talks in order to find solution to their differences over the recent general election.

No any joint statement was released following the meeting, which lasted for about 3 hours, but spokesmen of the two parities told reporters that the meeting was held with a better understanding of each other and both parties were moving closer.

“We have not totally agreed yet, but the leaders of both parties requested for respective internal party meetings before returning to another meeting to find the last solution that is acceptable for both sides, CPP spokesman Prak Sokhon said.

CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the two parties still have 5-6 days to continue their talks to reach a common solution before the 1^st session of the National Assembly is opened on 23 September 2013.

In their second meeting on Monday, which lasted for about 5 hours, the two parties agreed on 3 points including respect to the King’s royal message released on the same day calling on demonstrators and authorities to cease using violence, setting up a mechanism to reform future elections and continuing their talks at all levels to resolve the national issues, according to their joint statement released after the meeting.   

According to the official results of the July 28 general election, the CPP won 68 of the total 123 seats at the National Assembly, while the CNRP took the remaining 55. But the CNRP dismissed the election results, claiming the election was full of fraud.