Cambodian leader Hun Sen has said that the deposed First Premier Norodom Ranariddh cannot contest next year's elections unless he gives up his armed resistance to the government.

Hun Sen told supporters in the seaside town of Sihanoukville: "Even if Ranariddh receives an amnesty, he is still not fully eligible to take part in the elections because the law prohibits any party that has its own army or secession zone to take part,"

Hun Sen ousted Prince Ranariddh in a coup d'etat last July and the international community has said his return is necessary if the July 26 elections are to be considered free and fair.

But Hun Sen has insisted the former Prime Minister must first be tried on charges of smuggling weapons and conspiring with Khmer Rouge guerrillas.

Meanwhile, there's been renewed fighting between the rebels and Cambodian government forces in the north of the country, near the border with Thailand.

The clashes are concentrated on the hill-top village of O'Smach, a stronghold of rebels loyal to the Prince.

Government troops reinforced their own positions near the village earlier this week.

The BBC South East Asia correspondent says the rebels, who have the support of the Khmer Rouge guerillas, have put up strong resistence.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service
 

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