A CTING Head of State Chea Sim signed the controversial new press law Aug 31

following King Sihanouk's departure on a trip to Indonesia. All new laws require

the signature of the King or, in his absence, the Acting Head of State, before

they can take effect. Chea Sim signed shortly after the King left Cambodia. The

King has previously expressed reservations about some provisions of the law,

which has been criticized by human rights and journalism groups. Its most

controversial clause permits publishers, editors and writers to be prosecuted

for spreading news which affects "political stability" - a term undefined in the

law.