Owners of the upscale 240 Phnom Penh condo development said yesterday that they have stopped construction, for the time being, in order to ensure the security of the nearby US ambassador’s residence.

“Construction at ‘240 Phnom Penh’ luxury apartments ... has been temporarily suspended whilst our team works with the US Embassy and the Governor of Phnom Penh to ensure that the security of the US Ambassador’s residence is not compromised ... in light of recent world events and the forthcoming ASEAN summit next month,” said the owner, Elaine Younn, via email.  American officials have confirmed that President Barack Obama will attend the summit.

Michelle Bennett, a US Embassy spokesperson, said that she was unable to confirm that construction was halted due to security concerns.

“Due to longstanding mission policy, we cannot comment on security issues,” she said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Stuart White at [email protected]