Cambodian PM reiterates no talks with ex-opposition leader

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on March 27 reiterated that there will be no talks with exiled former opposition leader Sam Rainsy and other convicted opposition politicians over political issues.

Speaking at a university graduation ceremony in Phnom Penh, PM Hun Sen affirmed that there will be no talks with the traitors and no pardons or prison term reductions for them.

The Cambodian PM also reiterated that the national election will still be held on schedule on July 29, 2018, despite no participation from the opposition.

PM Hun Sen's remarks came a day after Rainsy called for talks with him over the current political dispute.

Rainsy, President of the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), has been living in self-imposed exile in France since November 2015 to avoid an at least eight-year-prison sentence for defamation and incitement cases. He resigned and left the party on February 11, 2017.-VNA