Opposition Leader Calls New Government Unconstitutional

Opposition leader Sam Rainsy on Wednesday told reporters that this week’s National Assembly session, held by the ruling party without the participation of the opposition, was a “constitutional coup” that did not reflect the will of the people. “We will not cooperate in any manner with the present National Assembly and with the present government unless there are guarantees that there will be an investigation committee to investigate the election irregularities and to find justice for the voters, whose wills have been distorted, and provided also that there is a program of reforms that both parties can agree upon,” he said. Sam Rainsy’s remarks come a day after the ruling Cambodian People’s Party voted in a block measure to install its own members into the Cambodian cabinet, despite the absence of the opposition. (Heng Reaksmey, Phnom Penh)