New Cambodian opposition rally keeps heat on Hun Sen

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in the Cambodian capital today vowing to remain for several days in a renewed bid to overturn Prime Minister Hun Sen's disputed election win.
The protest, called by the Cambodia National Rescue Party, comes a day after a rare meeting between opposition chief Sam Rainsy and the strongman premier to break the political paralysis gripping the kingdom.
Around 20,000 people converged on Phnom Penh's Democracy Park today, according to an AFP reporter, the majority staying in place as dusk approached despite a prior order from authorities to disperse around nightfall.
Water cannon and tear gas were fired at an apparently unrelated group around two kilometres from the park, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

One man appeared to be injured in the clash which occurred when the group of around 200 people tried to break through a police barricade, he added.
The CNRP was swift to distance its rally from the incident and a spokesman said it was "not involved with the demonstration".

CNRP supporters today again responded in large numbers to the call by opposition leader Sam Rainsy to reject official poll results -- over allegations voter fraud -- which saw the ruling Cambodian People's Party take 68 seats to the opposition's 55.
"Brothers, this is an important mission to rescue the nation," Rainsy said addressing demonstrators, many of whom held banners reading 'my vote, my nation' and 'where is my vote?'.

Rainsy called for a recount or new vote and stated that opposition lawmakers will not attend the opening of the parliament on September 23.
But "there will be no talks on power sharing" he warned, without the alleged election irregularities being cleared up.