Foreign media welcome Cambodia's media ban reversal

 July 1, 2013

ABC

Foreign media have welcomed the Cambodian government's decision to reverse a ban on local radio stations airing foreign-produced broadcasts in the lead-up to elections this month.

Radio Australia and America's Radio Free Asia, which both produce Khmer language content for local broadcast, say they are pleased with the government's decision.

However, Radio Free Asia says it remains concerned about other "arbitrary press restrictions" including a proposed foreign media blackout during the election weekend.

"We look forward to the remaining press restrictions being removed and the Cambodian people having full access to the accurate information they deserve," RFA said in a statement.

Domenic Friguglietti, the head of ABC International's Pacific and Mekong division, said their CEO will be writing to Cambodia's Minister for Information Khieu Kanharith to express gratitude for his decision.

"We are pleased that we will be able to offer a valuable service in informing and engaging Cambodian citizens about issues that are important to the country prior to the upcoming election," he said.