Sam Rainsy, leader of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), on December 29 confirmed that the party will stop demonstrations and marches in Phnom Penh from December 30 until January 4.
However, CNRP supporters will continue gathering at the Democracy Park every afternoon, he said, adding the halt aims to help them take a rest and offer a chance for civil society organisations to meet party officials at the park.
The decision is expected to receive an enthusiastic response from Phnom Penh residents as over the past nearly half month, daily marches have caused serious traffic jams in the capital and affected their daily life.
Earlier, the Cambodian Government on December 28 called on the protesters to make sure they act within the boundaries of the law and not violate legitimate rights of people as well as public safety and order.
The same day, Sam Rainsy expressed his hope to return to negotiations with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Hun Sen in early 2014.
The suggestion was promptly welcomed by the CPP. However, the concrete plan has yet to be announced.
Since December 15, the CNRP has launched a new round of daily protests and led thousands of supporters through streets in Phnom Penh to demand the PM Hun Sen’s resignation and a re-election.
Over the past days, a large number of garment and footwear workers have gone on strikes nationwide to demand the Government to double the wage for workers from 2014.
On December 29, about 30,000 opposition supporters took to the streets in Phnom Penh.
The July 28 poll results showed that the party won a majority of vote with 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the Sam Rainsy’s opposition party, but the opposition refused to accept the outcomes and has boycotted parliament since then.-VNA
However, CNRP supporters will continue gathering at the Democracy Park every afternoon, he said, adding the halt aims to help them take a rest and offer a chance for civil society organisations to meet party officials at the park.
The decision is expected to receive an enthusiastic response from Phnom Penh residents as over the past nearly half month, daily marches have caused serious traffic jams in the capital and affected their daily life.
Earlier, the Cambodian Government on December 28 called on the protesters to make sure they act within the boundaries of the law and not violate legitimate rights of people as well as public safety and order.
The same day, Sam Rainsy expressed his hope to return to negotiations with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) of Prime Minister Hun Sen in early 2014.
The suggestion was promptly welcomed by the CPP. However, the concrete plan has yet to be announced.
Since December 15, the CNRP has launched a new round of daily protests and led thousands of supporters through streets in Phnom Penh to demand the PM Hun Sen’s resignation and a re-election.
Over the past days, a large number of garment and footwear workers have gone on strikes nationwide to demand the Government to double the wage for workers from 2014.
On December 29, about 30,000 opposition supporters took to the streets in Phnom Penh.
The July 28 poll results showed that the party won a majority of vote with 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the Sam Rainsy’s opposition party, but the opposition refused to accept the outcomes and has boycotted parliament since then.-VNA
