Following the recent failure of cross-party talks, Cambodia National Rescue Party President Sam Rainsy said yesterday that his party will resume mass demonstrations on Friday.
Mr. Rainsy, who is set to return from Europe on Wednesday, said that the failure to secure a deal in talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen earlier this month meant the anti-government protests will resume as planned.
“Everything will be conducted as planned…because no deal has been concluded,” said Mr. Rainsy by email. The CNRP will also participate in Labor Day marches on Thursday, he said.
On March 31, Mr. Rainsy said that the CNRP would use the two-week campaign period for the May 18 district, city and provincial council elections to skirt a ban on protests laid down in January.
On April 9, however, he said that he was nearing a deal in talks with Mr. Hun Sen for the opposition to join parliament. The deal broke apart the next day.
The National Election Committee has said that the CNRP will not be allowed to use the campaign to protest.
