UN Envoy Says He’ll Consider Mediating Political Talks

The UN’s special human rights envoy to Cambodia says he will consider mediating political talks between Cambodia’s ruling and opposition parties. The envoy, Surya Subedi, is in Phnom Penh on a fact-finding mission, following the deadly crackdowns on protesters workers earlier this month. Subedi told reporters Thursday he would consider the role of mediator if he gets a request from both sides, or if the UN itself asks him to take on the task. The ruling and opposition parties remain at odds over July’s election results, with the opposition refusing to join the government and calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Hun Sen. Political analysts welcomed the prospect of UN mediation. (Heng Reaksmey, Phnom Penh)