Cambodia has overturned a much-criticized order banning local radio stations from broadcasting foreign programs ahead of general elections. The Ministry of Information said in a statement late Saturday that it was reversing the June 25 directive following "requests" but did not elaborate.

The Cambodian government is putting an increasing amount of pressure on broadcasters, requiring complicated bureaucratic procedures for sponsors and other measures, Mam Sonando, the operator of one of Cambodia’s last independent stations, Beehive Radio, says.