An army request to conduct six days of live fire exercises in Kampong Speu province

ahead of the election was shot down by the defense minister.

The commander of Parachute Brigade 911 had asked permission to conduct the training,

which was due to end on July 25. The election will be held just two days later.

The officer wanted to use three tanks, causing alarm in the opposition Sam Rainsy

Party, which complained to the National Election Committee. SRP press officer Un

Bun Ang said if it had gone ahead, the exercise would appear to re-inforce the threat

"that if the ruling party is not re-elected there will be war".

Co-Minister of Defense Tea Banh told the Post on July 17 that the training was necessary,

but would have to wait.

"We denied the request because we don't want to get involved in any problems

during the election. We will wait until after the election," he said.