Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Tuesday firmly denied the rumors that there was a party coup d' etat in his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP).

Hun Sen's remarks, broadcasted on state-run television TVK on Tuesday evening, were response to recently spreading rumors that CPP is breaking up between Hun Sen and CPP President Chea Sim's factions.

Hun Sen said, "It was an ulterior motive for those who wanted to use Chea Sim's absence to slander and damage the party."

He said the departure of Chea Sim on July 13 was a scheduled plan and a coincidence. "Chea Sim got permission from the King" totravel to Thailand for medical treatment. It is nothing to do withthe politics or the division of the party, said Hun Sen.

Chea Sim, acting head of state and president of the CPP, has been authorized by King Norodom Sihanouk to sign a controversial bill of package vote to elect the leaderships of parliament and the government.

The unexpected leave of Chea Sim caused a lot of confusion and speculation in the country. With Chea Sim's absence, the additional constitution bill was signed by royalist FUNCINPEC party member and second vice-president of Senate Nhiek Bun Chhay.

The premier stressed that the additional constitution law was signed under the authorization of Chea Sim.

Some media here reported that Chea Sim and Prime Minister Hun Sen head rival factions within the CPP.

CPP and FUNCINPEC party, led by Prince Norodom Ranariddh, formed a coalition government on mid of July, ending the nearly one year political deadlock beginning on July 27, 2003 when the national elections was held.

Source: Xinhua