Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) on January 2 decided to postpone talks over ongoing political row with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), which was scheduled for January 3.

In its statement, CNRP said that its decision came after the Cambodian authorities dispersed hundreds of striking workers at a garment factory on the outskirts of capital Phnom Penh.

The opposition party declared it will resume talks with the CPP only if the authorities stop using violence against strikers.

Kheng Tito, spokesman for the National Military Police, however, said that strikers had tried to destroy the factory's properties, so security forces had to take action against them.

He added that 15 people, including five fake Buddhist monks, were arrested on charge of arousing violence.

The same day, the CPP of Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed regret for the opposition party's decision.

CNRP has used a clash (between the authorities and striking workers) as its pretext to suspend the talk plan. This truth shows the lack of its real will in seeking solutions through negotiations, CPP said in a statement.

The CPP urges the opposition party to stop inciting violence and causing social unrest, and immediately return to negotiating table in order to jointly resolve issues peacefully for the sake of the nation.

Peaceful solutions through negotiations are the best and only choice for the current issues, it said.

Earlier on December 28, 2013, Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy called for a negotiation with CPP over political dispute with the participation of civil society organisations, labour unions and political parties.

The two parties also established a three-member working group and planned to meet on January 3 to map out the agenda for the coming meeting between PM Hun Sen and CNRP leader Sam Rainsy.-VNA