PHNOM PENH, July 10 (Xinhuanet) -- Cambodia's King Norodom Sihanouk said Saturday that he will not abdicate on request of a supreme patriarch monk.

    The king said he received the letter sent by supreme patriarch of the Mahanikaya sect Tep Vong on Friday that asked him not to abdicate.

    In his letter, Tep Vong asked the king not to step down for thesake of the peace, development and prosperity of the country.

    "I never dare to breach the will of our supreme patriarch monk and all monks in our country," the king stressed. "So I have not abdicated as I would like to do."

    The 81-year-old monarch made the announcement at his royal website. It is the third time that the king talked about his abdication in a week.

    On Tuesday, the king threatened to abdicate and remain in Pyongyang. And in his Friday's statement, also posted on the website, the king said he would delay the abdication to avoid being confused that "I have dispute or dissatisfaction with some important dignitaries or politicians."

    King Sinanouk said he decided to resign was because "I am too old and also have some health problems."

    Sihanouk abdicated the throne once before 1955 to enter politics, after which he managed the country until a coup toppled him in 1970. He became king again in 1993. Enditem