Funcinpec said Thursday that it is prepared to resume talks on a new government, but only after its members are guaranteed security and freedom of movement.
“It is fundamental that the Phnom Penh authorities give a written guarantee that all opposition MPs and party officials will be free to undertake their legitimate political activities,” the party statement said.
Prince Norodom Ranariddh and other party members have been in Bangkok for more than a month, claiming it is not safe for them to return.
The statement said that once such a written guarantee is endorsed by King Norodom Sihanouk the party can resume discussions about the political direction of the country. Only then could the debate move onto concrete decisions about a possible coalition, according to the statement.
The “issues of concern” to the party include administrative and judicial reforms, human rights and the battle against corruption. “Any coalition government that has not reached agreement on these substantive issues…is bound to be unrepresentative of the Cambodian people’s will and thus short-lived,” the statement said.
The CPP denied the opposition members were in any danger and said it was the duty of the government to provide a secure atmosphere for all Cambodia’s citizens. A party spokesman said Thursday that Funcinpec should return to the country and resume talks without conditions.
“They left the country of their free will and are free to come back,” Khieu Kanharith said. “Inventing more requests and arguments is a sign that they are not sincere in the negotiations.
“They should come and sit down and talk.”
A CPP document released Wednesday said the party was willing to make concessions to the opposition and restart negotiations. The party did not win enough seats in July’s election to form a government alone.
The three parties have held one summit and three working group meetings but have failed to make much progress.
