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Cambodian ruling, opposition leaders resume "culture of dialogue" after verbal attacks

Xinhua, January 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng met on Thursday with Sam Rainsy, president of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), to assure the continuation of the "culture of dialogue" after mutually verbal attacks in recent public forums.

Speaking in a joint press briefing after the meeting, Sar Kheng said both sides agreed to honor all agreements made between the leaders of the two parties, the ruling Cambodian People's Party ( CPP) and the opposition CNRP.

"We agreed to continue implementing the July 22 agreement and a verbal agreement on the enhancing of "culture of dialogue" made between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy in the parliament ( in August)," he said.

"We are working together to serve the people and to enhance the culture of dialogue."

Sam Rainsy said the culture of dialogue is the foundation of democracy and will maintain the country's peace and stability.

"With the culture of dialogue, I believe that all issues will be resolved peacefully," he said.

The meeting came after CNRP's Vice President Kem Sokha early this month launched a series of verbal attacks on Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government on the issues of corruption and illegal immigrants.

Kem Sokha also assured his supporters in a public forum on Jan. 18 that the opposition party is still working to oust Hun Sen from power, according to a report of The Cambodia Daily.

On Jan. 19, Hun Sen accused the CNRP of breaking a pledge of the "culture of dialogue" and urged the court to expedite the prosecution of seven CNRP lawmakers on the charges of leading an insurrection in a violent clash last July that resulted in more than 40 people injured.

CNRP ended its 10-months long boycott of parliament over the 2013 elections on July 22 after Hun Sen agreed to its proposals for electoral reform and power sharing in the parliament.

The CPP holds 68 seats in the 123-seat parliament, while the CNRP possesses the remaining 55 seats. Endi