Funcinpec Says Gov’t Talks Must Include Three Parties

The Sam Rainsy Party must be included in any debate about the future government, the party’s larger ally Funcinpec reiterated this weekend, rejecting CPP calls for two-way negotiations.

In a statement released Satur­day, Prince Norodom Rana­riddh’s party insisted all three parties should be represented at low-level discussions and at a summit meeting chaired by his father, King Norodom Sihanouk.

“The full contribution and commitment of the three parties…are necessary if the will of the people is to be fully respected,” the statement said.

Last week the CPP offered to resume negotiations with Funcin­pec alone, without the party of Sam Rain­sy, who came third in last July’s national election.

But Funcinpec rejected this, accusing the CPP of “placing ob­stacles” in the way of talks.

The Funcinpec statement also clarified the party’s position on top National Assembly posts, saying it should take the presi­dency of the house, with the CPP and the Sam Rainsy Party claiming one vice presidency post each.

The statement again insisted the Sam Rainsy Party not be ex­cluded from seats on the par­lia­ment’s permanent committee—the influential body that decides the Assembly agenda—and be given one parliamentary commission to chair. “Leaving the Sam Rainsy Party no role in the Com­missions is unacceptable and against national reconciliation,” the statement said.

The CPP could not be reached for comment, but a spokesman told a reporter last week that the party would still consider any requests from Sam Rainsy re­garding positions within the Assembly. He denied the CPP was squeezing out the smaller, third party on this issue.

The CPP won the largest share of seats in the As­sembly, but the party does have enough parliamentarians to command a majority in the house. The CPP has made it clear that Fun­cinpec is its preferred coalition partner.