US
urges calm, dialogue in Cambodia vote feud
The
Cambodia Herald 16-08-2013: The United States called Thursday on
Cambodia's political parties to negotiate their differences peacefully after
election results handed a narrow victory to longtime ruler Hun Sen.
The
opposition has alleged widespread fraud in the July 28 election and is
contesting the tally announced by election authorities.
"We
urge the leaders of Cambodia's political parties to return to the negotiating
table and to work together for an outcome that serves the best interests of the
Cambodian people," US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
She
called on all sides to "act in a peaceful manner" and "seek
resolution of electoral disputes through dialogue rather than resorting to
threats, intimidation, repression or violent civil unrest."
Psaki
repeated that the United States was concerned by "reports of serious
irregularities" in voting and supported a "full and transparent
investigation."
Election
results gave 3.2 million votes to Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party, with 2.9
million people casting ballots for the opposition.
Even
with the lead for the ruling party, the results were closer than many outside
observers expected as Hun Sen has managed to stay in power for 28 years.
Shortly
ahead of the vote, Cambodia issued a pardon that allowed the return of
opposition leader Sam Rainsy from self-imposed exile.
Hun
Sen had faced threats from several US lawmakers to cut off assistance in the
event of irregularities in the election.
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