Media Release:CambodiaJuly 1, 2013 The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Cambodian affiliates welcomes the Cambodian Government reversal of a ban on foreign media content being broadcast in the lead up to the Cambodian general election next month. The original directive which banned foreign content was issued on 25 June 2013 and stated that any local stations found in violation of the directive would face legal action. The Cambodian Government originally claimed that the directive was issued as foreign reports were not neutral and were therefore playing an active role in the campaign. The Cambodia Peoples Party (CPP) are intolerant to criticism and have dominated the media leading up to the July 28 election.   The directive was viewed by the international community and Cambodian public as another setback to media freedom.  Recent threats made against media, the arrest of radio broadcaster Mam Sonando and the government’s decision to strip members of the opposition party of their parliamentarian status are preventing Cambodian civilians from participating in their own democracy. The International Federation of Journalists welcomes the recent announcement with caution and demands the Government of Cambodia to allow independent media to report freely in the lead up to the General Election. For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0950The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countriesFind the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacificFind the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific