Phnom Penh  - Cambodia lifted a two-month ban on rice exports Monday, when Prime Minister Hun Sen said the measure had ensured a sufficient domestic supply.

Hun Sen said exports could resume, although rice exporters should keep the government appraised of how much they were exporting.

He said Cambodia was assured of a 1-million-ton surplus and the March 27 ban was no longer necessary as prices had also stabilized.

The ban was imposed after rice prices in Cambodia tripled earlier this year amid international fears of worldwide shortages.

However with a July 27 national election looming, some analysts suggested Monday that government fears of opposition party candidates in key border areas - traditionally the main rice exporting provinces - could be a factor in the decision to lift the ban. (dpa)