Parties urged to resume talks

Citing a lack of public confidence in the official post-election irregularity resolution process – namely, the Constitutional Council’s opening of vote packages – a coalition of leading civil society groups yesterday appealed to the two main political parties to swiftly come back to the negotiating table. The election watchdog groups – known together as “The Situation Room” – specifically called on top leaders to meet as soon as possible to discuss the establishment of a joint committee to investigate glaring election irregularities such as incorrectly sealed safety packages. Although the hopes of forming such a proposed committee have been repeatedly dashed since initial negotiations broke down nearly a month ago, the two main parties yesterday confirmed they were moving towards a top-level meeting. A promised “last resort” Cambodia National Rescue Party demonstration is due to take place Saturday. “We want to encourage our politicians to maximise the [use of bilateral] meetings and dialogue to resolve the political deadlock, as it is the best way to avoid a social and economic crisis,” Thun Saray, president of rights group Adhoc, said yesterday. …

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