Prince’s Supporters, Foes Clash in Capital

Running street battles erupted in central Phnom Penh, the capital, after supporters of Prince Norodom Ranariddh clashed with opponents outside the hotel where he was staying, witnesses said. The deposed co-premier returned after nine months in exile to prepare for the July 26 election called by his rival Hun Sen. Ranariddh was ousted by Hun Sen in a July coup in which dozens of the prince’s supporters were slain. Hun Sen scheduled the election in a bid to legitimize his power and restore foreign aid cut off after the coup.