Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen on February 10 pledged to continue maintaining national peace and political stability, asserting that these factors serve as fundamental elements of the country’s socio-economic development.

Addressing at a graduation ceremony of the National University of Management, PM Hun Sen further said his government does not allow any reactionary forces to hold the nation hostage.

He added that all state institutions, including the National Assembly, the Senate, the Government, and the King’s institution, have so far functioned normally despite the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party’s (CNRP) boycott of parliament after the general election last July.

Cambodia has faced a political deadlock since the election’s results showed that the ruling Cambodian People’s Party, won 68 parliamentary seats and the opposition got the remaining 55, an outcome which the opposition disputes.

Claiming serious irregularities during the election, the CNRP held many protests to ask for the resignation of PM Hun Sen and a new election. He has rejected both requests.

Last September, the two parties’ leaders met twice in a bid to resolve their political differences, but no agreement was reached.-VNA