The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the Cambodian People’s Party and and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) to resume negotiations to deal with the damaging political dispute still remaining after the elections in July last year.

In its statement released on January 8, the Japanese Government said it is deeply concerned about the insecurity in Cambodia in recent months, especially recent clashes between security forces and striking garment workers.

Japan also strongly hopes that the talks between the CPP and CNRP regarding the election results will resume in a timely manner so that a state of calm can return, the statement said.

Japan will also continue paying close attention to the situation in Cambodia to ensure the safety of its companies and citizens in the country.

Previously, the rulling and opposition parties reached an agreement to set up a joint working group for a meeting scheduled on January 3 to map out the agenda for the coming meeting between CPP President PM Hun Sen and CNRP leader Sam Rainsy.

However, the CNRP rejected the meeting, after a bloody clash between police forces and demonstrators occurred the day before at a garment factory on the outskirts of capital Phnom Penh.-VNA