The Cambodian Higher Education Association on Saturday released a statement asking Zaman schools’ students and parents to remain calm and let the government find a solution regarding the Turkish government’s request to shut down the schools.

The association – a governmental body that oversees institutions of higher learning – in its statement expressed support for the schools, which it said are licensed and have obeyed Cambodian laws.

“We are worried about the future of the students at Zaman,” said Heng Vanda, chairman of the association’s board. “We appeal to them to remain calm and not fear and continue to try to study hard.”

Turkish Ambassador Ilhan Tug has repeatedly called for the schools’ closure, citing their links to Fethullah Gulen, who has been labelled a terrorist by Turkey and is accused of being the mastermind behind a recent attempted coup.

Hakan Atasever, public relations director for Zaman, said another press conference is planned for Thursday at the secondary campus to let the public know that schools continue to operate as normal.