(VOVworld) – High-level talks were held on Tuesday at the Cambodian Senate to resolve the one-year political deadlock between the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the opposition – the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) –  that has existed since July, 2013.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (R) and opposition leader Sam Rainsy shake hands after talks at the National Assembly in Phnom Penh, on September 17, 2013. (Photo: AFP)

Each delegation included 3 high-level leaders and 5 working members, led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and CNRP Chairman Sam Rainsy. Earlier Hun Sen and Sam Rainsy reached an agreement during their telephone call on April 9.
Despite disagreements on how to reform the National Electoral Commission, Sam Rainsy believes that this will be their final talks. Prum Sokha, Cambodian Secretary of State and Head of the CPP working group, said that both parties were likely to be flexible in order to settle disputes and reach a political agreement. During the July 2013 elections, the Cambodian People’s Party gained 68 of the 123 seats in the Parliament, while the Cambodia National Rescue Party gained 55. The CNRP later boycotted the Parliament with allegations of electoral fraud calling for investigation and early elections.