Cambodian political rivals say agreement reached

(22 Jul 2014) Cambodia's yearlong political deadlock appeared to be resolved on Tuesday as Prime Minister Hun Sen and his rivals agreed on political reforms and the opposition agreed in turn to end its boycott of parliament.
Hun Sen, Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Sam Rainsy and colleagues met in their third round of formal talks since opposition lawmakers boycotted their parliamentary seats following last July's general election.
The opposition alleged that the polls were rigged, and demanded reforms and new, early polls.
Hun Sen was smiling as he walked out of the meeting room.
Rainsy told reporters the opposition had no choice but to end the standoff.
In a concrete sign of goodwill, seven opposition lawmakers and another party activist who were detained last week for insurrection were released on bail a few hours after the talks, said their lawyer, Sam Sok Kong.
The eight were arrested after violence broke out when party members attempted to stage a rally at Phnom Penh's Freedom Park.
Hun Sen has been in power for almost three decades and, despite Cambodia being formally democratic, his government is authoritarian and known for intimidating opponents.
The strong showing by Rainsy's party in last year's elections posed the strongest challenge to Hun Sen in years.


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