The ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) held high-level talks on July 22 as part of efforts to end the year-long political deadlock following the national election in last July.

Prime Minister Hun Sen led the CPP delegation while the CNRP delegation was headed by Sam Rainsy.

According to a joint agreement released two days ago, the two parties said that the meeting will be held on the basis of the principle agreement reached between Hun Sen and Rainsy during their telephone talks on April 9.

Political dispute between the ruling and opposition parties has simmered since the results of the parliamentary elections in July last year showed that the CPP won 68 seats against 55 seats taken by the CNRP.

However, the CNRP refused to accept the results claiming serious irregularities during the poll, and demanded the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the election outcome. It has boycotted parliament and held many protests demanding for a re-election.

The two sides have held many meetings, including the top-level one between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Rainsy in September last year, however, they did not reach any significant breakthrough on those occasions.-VNA