Opposition party's leader Sam Rainsy plans to return to Cambodia in mid September after a trip to the United States, according to the Sam Rainsy Party (SRP) general secretary Eng Chhay Eang.
The SRP president has been living in exile abroad for more than 7 months. The Cambodian parliament voted to strip three SRP members: Sam Rainsy, Chea Poch, and Cheam Channy on February 3rd so that the court can ask them questions in lawsuits against them.
SRP members of parliament accuse the ruling parties of using the lawsuits to silence the opposition's voice. SRP general secretary Eng Chhay Eang said international groups and donor countries will monitor Sam Rainsy's security when he returns to Cambodia.
Eng Chhay Eang said that the three leaders are trying to find a good solution that the ruling parties can accept.
One SRP official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Sam Rainsy might even go back to Cambodia this weekend.
Sam Rainsy accused Prince Ranaridh of accepting several millions of dollars from Prime Minister Hun Sen in exchange for the formation of the new government in 2003. The ruling parties denied the charges.
Sam Rainsy's lawyer reportedly asked for the delay of Mr. Sam Rainsy's return to Cambodia. The ruling party's officials have said that there will be no arrest if he returns to Cambodia.