Supporters of Cambodia's exiled opposition leader campaigning in Phnom Penh last month.
[Reuters file image]
[Reuters file image]
ABC Radio Australia
Last Updated 06/02/2006, 12:25:55
Cambodia's exiled opposition leader, Sam Rainsy, says he is planning to return home on Thursday, after receiving a royal pardon.
The pardon came two days after the opposition leader withdrew accusations that Prime Minister Hun Sen was behind a 1997 grenade attack that killed 16 people, and other violent acts against his party.
The accusation led to Sam Rainsy's being convicted of defamation and sentenced to 18 months' jail in absentia.
Sam Rainsy says he wants to put aside past disputes with the prime minister, but he has vowed to continue his push for democratic reform.
"There is no change in our demand to push of democracy, more transparency and accountability on the part of the government," he said.
"The goals, the ideals, the principles are the same, even though the style could be changed a little bit to be more effective."
The pardon came two days after the opposition leader withdrew accusations that Prime Minister Hun Sen was behind a 1997 grenade attack that killed 16 people, and other violent acts against his party.
The accusation led to Sam Rainsy's being convicted of defamation and sentenced to 18 months' jail in absentia.
Sam Rainsy says he wants to put aside past disputes with the prime minister, but he has vowed to continue his push for democratic reform.
"There is no change in our demand to push of democracy, more transparency and accountability on the part of the government," he said.
"The goals, the ideals, the principles are the same, even though the style could be changed a little bit to be more effective."
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