PHNOM
PENH, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The British Minister of State at the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Hugo Swire will pay a two-day visit to
Cambodia on Thursday to further enhance bilateral ties, according to a
press statement from the British Embassy to Cambodia on Wednesday.
"The
visit is part of a sustained program of ministerial engagement with
Southeast Asian countries to strengthen ties and build new links," the
statement said.
"I
am very pleased to be making my first trip to Cambodia," Swire said in
the statement. "Cambodia is a vibrant and exciting country where the
United Kingdom is keen to deepen engagement."
He
said his visit is to explore the potential to increase trade links
between the two countries as a basis for future economic growth.
"I
also want to better understand the current political landscape and
challenges that remain in ensuring a peaceful, secure and democratic
future for Cambodia," he said.
During
his stay, Swire will call on Prime Minister Hun Sen, Foreign Minister
Hor Namhong and leaders of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue
Party (CNRP) to discuss the current political situation.
Cambodia
has been trapped in political dispute since the general election in
July last year. The election results showed that the Prime Minister Hun
Sen's ruling party won 68 parliamentary seats and the Sam Rainsy's
opposition CNRP got the remaining 55 seats.
Claiming
serious irregularities, the opposition refused to accept the outcome
and has boycotted parliament and held protests in order to demand the
resignation of Hun Sen and a re-election.
Hun Sen has said that he would neither step down nor call a re- vote.
The
leaders of the two parties met twice in September in a bid to resolve
their political differences, but the talks failed to reach any
agreements.
Editor: Shen Qing
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| English.news.cn 2014-01-31 14:57:18 |
PHNOM PENH, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hor Namhong said Friday that the country's main opposition party should join the National Assembly if it really wants to debate on an electoral reform or a re-election.
"The CNRP should end protests on streets andjoin
the National Assembly if it really wants to demand for an electoral
reform or a re-vote," Hor Namhong said during a meeting with visiting
British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire.
The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), led by longtime opposition leader Sam Rainsy, has boycotted parliament and held a series of protests to demand an electoral reform and a re-election after last July's disputed election that handed victory to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
According to the nation's constitution, the National Assembly cannot be dissolved before a five-year term ends, Hor Namhong said, adding that the opposition's demand for a re-election or an early election needs an amendment to the constitution.
"And if there is any amendment to the constitution, it is necessary for both sides to sit down and debate in the National Assembly," he said. "So the opposition should join the National Assembly to debate on these matters."
Hor Namhong said the ruling CPP' door is stillopen for negotiations with the opposition on the dispute.
Political row between the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP has persisted since the July polls, in which the CPP won 68 parliamentary seats and the CNRP got 55 seats.
Claiming serious irregularities, the CNRP refused to accept the results and has boycotted parliament and held protests to demand the resignation of Hun Sen and a re-vote.
For his part, Swire said that it was essential for the two parties to meet and negotiate for a peaceful solution to the differences.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues including territorial disputes between Japan and its neighbors including South Korea and China.
Swire arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a two-day visit to promote bilateral ties and to understand the current political situation in Cambodia.
During his stay, Swire will pay a courtesy call on Hun Sen and meet with opposition leaders.
"The CNRP should end protests on streets and
The Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), led by longtime opposition leader Sam Rainsy, has boycotted parliament and held a series of protests to demand an electoral reform and a re-election after last July's disputed election that handed victory to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).
According to the nation's constitution, the National Assembly cannot be dissolved before a five-year term ends, Hor Namhong said, adding that the opposition's demand for a re-election or an early election needs an amendment to the constitution.
"And if there is any amendment to the constitution, it is necessary for both sides to sit down and debate in the National Assembly," he said. "So the opposition should join the National Assembly to debate on these matters."
Hor Namhong said the ruling CPP' door is still
Political row between the ruling CPP and the opposition CNRP has persisted since the July polls, in which the CPP won 68 parliamentary seats and the CNRP got 55 seats.
Claiming serious irregularities, the CNRP refused to accept the results and has boycotted parliament and held protests to demand the resignation of Hun Sen and a re-vote.
For his part, Swire said that it was essential for the two parties to meet and negotiate for a peaceful solution to the differences.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues including territorial disputes between Japan and its neighbors including South Korea and China.
Swire arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday for a two-day visit to promote bilateral ties and to understand the current political situation in Cambodia.
During his stay, Swire will pay a courtesy call on Hun Sen and meet with opposition leaders.
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Editor:
Yang Yi
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