Self-exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy says it is the right time for him to return to his home country due to a unique combination of internal and external pressures facing the Cambodian government.

Rainsy, who spoke to reporters outside the parliament guardhouse today, said the internal pressure comes from calls for a popular uprising.

"I have called for a popular uprising, a peaceful uprising. The Cambodian authorities were prepared for a crackdown but I have called upon the army not to shoot at civilians and innocent people," he said...