Vietnam's prime minister was to start a two-day visit to Cambodia on Monday, the first since the two countries signed a border agreement denounced by Cambodian critics who were later jailed by Cambodia's leader.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai was to discuss bilateral issues with Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, King Norodom Sihamoni and other government officials during the visit, according to an official itinerary.

Authorities on Monday denied permission for a group representing ethnic Cambodians living in southern Vietnam to hold a peaceful march during Phan Van Khai's visit.

The Community of Khmer Kampuchea Krom wanted to submit a petition to the Vietnamese leader demanding that Hanoi respect the rights and freedom of ethnic Cambodians in Vietnam, Thach Setha, a group's leader, said in a letter to Phnom Penh's municipal office last week.

Suon Rindy, a deputy cabinet chief of the municipal office, said Monday the group could only hold their protest inside its headquarters and permission for a march was denied to ensure public order and security during the Vietnamese leader's visit.

Extract from: China Post