Without UN, Opposition Will Not Negotiate Over Elections, Leader Says

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party says it will not negotiate with the ruling party over elections earlier this month until a UN investigation into allegations of irregularities is conducted. Sam Rainsy, president of the party, told supporters gathered in Phnom Penh on Tuesday that he will not accept the National Election Committee's proposed mechanisms without help from the UN. If the government's election body cannot find a way to reflect the will of the voters, he will lead demonstrations, he said. CPP officials have said they won the election, with 68 of 123 National Assembly seats. But opposition supporters, as well as a wide array of election monitors, say the elections were marred by irregularities and voter fraud. (Heng Reaksmey, Phnom Penh)