CNRP Plans Practice Demonstrations Ahead of Real Protest
The CNRP has scheduled two practice demonstrations for next week in order to ensure that nationwide rallies planned for September 7 are held peacefully, the party said in a statement on Friday. The announcement came a day after 100 party members and provincial activists for the opposition party held a three-hour training session in Phnom Penh with a team of foreign experts on how to demonstrate peacefully. “The Cambodia National Rescue Party will have a tryout to demonstrate for two days; firstly on September 1, and secondly on September 5,” the statement says, although it did not say where and at what time the practice sessions would occur. CNRP spokesman Yim Sovann said the practice sessions would involve about 1,000 people and include role-play exercises. … Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the sessions are further proof that the CNRP is committing “political terrorism” and is out to send a message “that makes people worried and puts pressure on them.” Separately, CNRP president Sam Rainsy wrote again to Senate President Chea Sim on Friday after the latter responded to a request that the CNRP and CPP’s leadership meet in order to hold negotiations over election irregularities. Mr. Sim had said that while the CPP is open to further discussions, the official process of investigating the disputed outcome of the election must be respected. The opposition, however, is calling for an independent inquiry that does not involve the National Election Committee. …
Khy Sovuthy and Lauren Crothers
http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/cnrp-plans-practice-demonstrations-ahead-of-real-protest-41528/
