Cambodian National Assembly President Norodom Ranariddh spoke exclusively to VOA in Phnom Penh after King Sihanouk announced that he had abdicated.
The National Assembly president who is also the president of the royalist FUNCINPEC party said he urges the king to stay on the throne.
He also blamed opposition party leader Sam Rainsy for the king's decision.
On Wednesday Mr. Sam Rainsy wrote a letter to the King warning him of a planned demonstration when his majesty returned on Thursday. King Sihanouk did not return to Cambodia as previously planned.