US officials, who have been among the most outspoken critics of the current government, have decided to release only $2.3m out of a $7m fund for the election campaign, due to run from June 25 to July 24.

While Cambodia prepares for upcoming elections, there are international doubts about the credibility of the polls scheduled for July.

Concerns have been raised as to whether the elections called by Cambodia's powerful second prime minister, Hun Sen, will be free or fair.

US takes tough stance

The US has taken the toughest line of any foreign government in its response to the ousting of Cambodia's first prime minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh last July.

Non-humanitarian aid was suspended to Cambodia as were the plans to donate $7m for the forthcoming general elections - the first since the United Nations-sponsored polls five years ago.

The Americans have made clear that none of the money will be directed through the government or official bodies. Most of it will be used to support non-governmental groups, voter education and election observers.

Diplomatic officials say one factor in releasing the money was the ability of Prince Ranariddh and other opposition politicians to return to Cambodia and resume their political activities. However, they have made clear that they still have continuing concerns over the current political climate.

In particular, they say, continued intimidation of opposition supporters and lack of access by opposition parties to the media are major problems.

The National Election Committee has just issued an order banning all private television and radio stations and all newspapers under political parties from disseminating information that serves political parties during the election campaign.

Power lies with Cambodia's second prime minister

Those were some of the concerns raised by British government minister, Derek Fatchett, who has been visiting Cambodia and talking with the second prime minister, Hun Sen.

Britain is the current holder of the presidency of the EU which is providing more than $11m to the electoral process.

Both the European Union and Japan have recently increased aid for the July election, but Mr Fatchett made it clear that international generosity was not open-ended, and that future good relations depended on Cambodia holding genuinely free and fair elections.

Meanwhile, Prince Ranariddh, has expressed his doubts over the elections and said delays may be necessary. He has just made his first public appearance with party supporters in nearly two months and remains the leading opposition candidate in the polls.

He said he would boycott the elections only if the United Nations decided it could not endorse them.