Opposition leader Sam Rainsy was scheduled to depart for the Netherlands last night to attend a Liberal International conference in Rotterdam with other leaders of liberal parties from around the world.
CNRP Vice-President Kem Sokha is also out of the country touring Cambodian communities in the U.S. until April 24, according to CNRP lawmaker-elect Eng Chhay Eang.
Last week, Mr. Rainsy said that he and Prime Minister Hun Sen were on the verge of a deal that would see the CPP and CNRP end their political deadlock by the end of the week.
However, the CPP and CNRP have yet to agree on a date for an early election, the final sticking point between the parties.
Mr. Chhay Eang said that the opposition leader is scheduled to return on April 30, but Mr. Rainsy said he could be back immediately after the Khmer New Year holiday.
“I can come back anytime if there is an important event requiring my presence,” Mr. Rainsy said yesterday. “I think [an agreement on the election date] can be reached anytime after Khmer New Year, meaning the 18th. I may be back on the 18th if there is any meeting.”
