The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party has written a letter to King Norodom Sihanomi requesting the opportunity for self-exiled party leader Sam Rainsy to pay his respects to the King immediately upon returning to the country Friday, a CNRP spokesman said.

Yim Sovann said yesterday that a letter had been sent to the palace Monday asking for an audience with the King – whom Rainsy wants to thank for his pardon – and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath.

“We have already sent a letter, but we have not received a response,” Sovann said.

Rainsy wanted the meeting to take place straight after his arrival at the airport Friday morning, before a planned rally at Freedom Park, Sovann added.

King Sihamoni’s Royal cabinet officials, Oum Daravuth and Srey Nory, said yesterday they were not aware of the letter.

But Son Soubert, personal adviser to Sihamoni, told the Post on Sunday that “it would be a very good thing for [Rainsy] to meet with the King”.