Cambodian ruling, opposition parties to hold fresh talks to end political deadlock

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia's ruling and opposition parties say their leaders will hold a fresh round of talks to end a yearlong political deadlock after last year's contentious election.

Both parties said in a joint statement Monday that Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy will hold talks Tuesday for the third time to try to defuse the political tension.

Lawmakers from Sam Rainsy's Cambodia National Rescue Party have boycotted their seats in the Parliament since last July's election, and are demanding reforms and new elections. They say the polls were rigged.

Sam Rainsy returned to Cambodia on Saturday, a few days after eight of his colleagues were arrested during a demonstration at a park in Cambodia's capital.