Rainsy ‘Optimistic’ About Return

[geovalin]

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who is now in exile, told senior Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) officials that foreign reaction and condemnations of recent government action was due in part to his efforts at the European Union (EU) and abroad, and said he was optimistic he would be able to return to Cambodia soon. According to a press release, a two-day meeting in Manila between Mr. Rainsy and other CNRP leaders focused on an analysis and evaluation of the current political situation and laid out a specific plan of action for the future. CNRP leaders will now try to get the plans approved by the party’s Permanent Committee in Phnom Penh today.

At the meeting, Mr. Rainsy highlighted the work he has done in telling other nations about the problems Cambodia faces politically and socially. Speaking to Radio Free Asia from the Philippines on Wednesday, senior CNRP official Ou Chanrith said Mr. Rainsy has done an enormous amount of diplomatic work with many countries, including the United States and the member states of the EU, and has asked them to intervene and help promote as well as ensure a stable political situation in Cambodia.

“The public is aware that Mr. Rainsy has gone to many countries to seek intervention and that resulted in the reaction and condemnation that has urged both parties to negotiate. It’s all because of him,” he said. Despite harsh comments from Prime Minister Hun Sen, who told reporters last year that he would “cut off his hand” before letting Mr. Rainsy back in the country, the opposition believes a political deal to bring him home is on the horizon, Mr. Chanrith said.

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