S acked Finance Minister Sam Rainsy is to sue the Cambodia Times over an article in their Oct 23-29 edition in which he is accused of treason.

The Times said Rainsy was colluding with the Khmer Rouge and met their leaders in Phnom Penh prior to the abortive Round Table peace talks in June.

However in a press statement Rainsy's father-in-law Samdech Chakrey Nhiek Tioulong said that as chairman of the talks he was responsible for the meeting which was above board.

Rainsy's presence, Tioul-ong said, was incidental as they shared the same house.

Rainsy said in the statement: "The article is libellous and another despicable attempt against our reputation and credibility. It is also a cynical attack against those of us fighting for principles and democracy in Cambodia."