Cambodian PM Claims Opposition Acknowledged Ruling Party Victory

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday threatened to release an audio recording in which opposition leader Sam Rainsy purportedly acknowledged a ruling party election victory during a meeting between the two leaders aimed at ending a political deadlock. Sam Rainsy’s Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) immediately fired back at Hun Sen, saying they had nothing to hide from the meetings held Sept. 14-15, provided the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) does not edit the recording of the entire meeting. Speaking during a cabinet meeting, Hun Sen said he would release the recording if the opposition continued to hold demonstrations against the official poll results giving the CPP a victory in the July 28 elections. … Hun Sen had said earlier this week that talks at the recorded meetings broke down because he could not meet opposition demands for key posts in parliament, including the posts of National Assembly president and chairperson for six of 12 legislative commissions. “They [CNRP] want six commission chairmen [posts], and if we agree, they will agree to come to the first National Assembly meeting,” Hun Sen had said. “My stance is that I will allow them to have a deputy president’s post, four commission chairman posts, and one deputy chairman post in five commissions.” … The CNRP was quick to respond Thursday to Hun Sen’s claims of capitulation at the meetings, saying that the prime minister was getting desperate and “concerned about voters” unsatisfied with the election results. CNRP deputy president Kem Sokha told RFA’s Khmer Service that Hun Sen’s threat showed that he was nervous about a mass movement gathering pace against the administration, adding that the CNRP will continue to push for the establishment of a probe into election irregularities. …

 Radio Free Asia Staff
http://www.rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/recording-09262013165941.html