CPP,
Funcinpec In
k Accord
Leaders
of the CPP and Funcinpec hugged each other and gave a champagne
toast after signing an agreement Thursday solidifying their alliance
and, they said, ensuring the fairness of next year's commune
elections.
The
coalition government partners signed a joint communique at the
Ministry of Interior. CPP President Chea Sim and Funcinpec President
Prince Norodom Ranariddh signed it.
As
CPP Vice President Prime Minister Hun Sen and other party officials
listened, Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng read the agreement, which
praised the progress made by the partners.
"We
need to continue the cooperation between both parties to guarantee
peace, stability and democracy for the commune elections
process," he said.
After
signing the agreement, Prince Ranariddh hugged Chea Sim and
Hun Sen. They then gave a toast celebrating the deal.
When
asked why the opposition Sam Rainsy Party wasn't asked to join, Hun
Sen laughed.
"If
they are the opposition, why should we call them to join?" Hun
Sen asked. "Oh, Mr. journalist, go back to school and learn how
to ask a question.
"
Under the four-point agreement, both parties agreed to strengthen
cooperation to ensure a neutral and violence-free election in
February 2002, act on the principles of a democracy, avoid disputes
over results and coordinate efforts to solve problems that arise
from the elections.
"This signing is necessary to ensure the election will be held
peacefully and transparently, without violence," the prime
minister said. "It also sends a clear message to voters and the
international community."
Prince
Ranariddh said the agreement will have a positive affect on the
donors meeting in June because it will show aid givers that the two
parties are making an effort to ensure stability.
The
most recent partnership was established after the 1998 elections,
which the CPP won. Funcinpec disputed the result , along with the
Sam Rainsy but later agreed to a power sharing deal with the CPP.
By
Lor Chandara
|
