Cambodian deputy opposition leader reconciles with premier

Cambodia's Rescue Party Deputy President Kem Sokha, left, greets the registrars before a meeting at National Assembly in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016. Cambodia's newly pardoned Kem Sokha has returned to parliament with a claim that he and Prime Minister Hun Sen have agreed to help reconcile their contending parties for the sake of benefiting the country. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith) (The Associated Press)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia's deputy opposition leader who was pardoned from jail time for ignoring a court summons has returned to parliament, saying he and Prime Minister Hun Sen have agreed to reconcile.

Kem Sokha and fellow lawmakers of the Cambodia National Rescue Party last month ended a six-month boycott of parliament to protest what they said was politically motivated harassment after several were stripped of parliamentary immunity and sued by Hun Sen's government. Opposition members said they returned to parliament to seek a political truce.

Kem Sokha was granted a royal pardon on Dec. 2 at Hun Sen's request.

Kem Sokha said he and Hun Sen agreed to resolve their differences through talk.