PHNOM PENH: Forty-five countries called on Cambodia to reinstate the main opposition party, release its jailed leader and ensure that a July general election is free and fair.

A statement on the human rights situation in Cambodia read by New Zealand on behalf of a group of 45 countries, including the United States, Germany, Australia and United Kingdom, said previous optimism had been “replaced by deep concern” regarding a decline in civil and political rights in Cambodia.