In meetings with Interior Minister Sar Kheng held on Sunday, both the EU and British ambassadors said they did not want opposition demonstrations “which would frighten [the] Cambodian people,” state news agency AKP reported.

Neither mission rejected that the ambassadors had made such pronouncements, issuing identical statements to the Post when approached individually about their comments.

“[The ambassador] underlined the need for peaceful resolution of disputes, and for all parties to avoid any action, which may lead to violence,” spokespeople from each embassy wrote in separately emailed responses.

While the US government has issued a strongly worded statement since the elections, supporting the opposition’s calls for a “credible” and thorough investigation, the EU has called only for a fair and swift resolution using the NEC and “established judicial mechanisms.” The UK, meanwhile, has issued no such public comment in the post-election period.