Cambodian politician criticises civil war

The Cambodian opposition politician, Sam Rainsy , has sharply criticised both sides in the country's civil war for their failure to agree to a ceasefire.

In a statement issued from France, Mr Rainsy said the fighting between government troops and forces loyal to the ousted former co-prime minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, had triggered a suicidal and meaningless war.

He said the conflict was damaging the government's plans to hold elections next year, and called on the international community to help end the dispute.

The latest fighting, which began in July, has centred around the Cambodian town of O'Smach, near the Thai border.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service