Cambodia: UN to review draft law on special court to try Khmer Rouge leaders
Human Rights
The United Nations will study legislation signed today in Cambodia on a special court to try Khmer Rouge leaders, according to a UN spokesman.
Manoel de Almeida e Silva told reporters in New York that the UN "looks forward to receiving the law," which took effect after being signed by King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia. The spokesman added that the legislation would be reviewed to determine that it conforms to a draft memorandum of understanding governing the UN's participation with Cambodia in a trial of Khmer Rouge leaders.
Pledging continued commitment to the cause of justice in Cambodia, Mr. de Almeida e Silva said the UN "is prepared to continue to work closely with the Government to assist it to undertake a trial that will finally bring Khmer Rouge leaders to justice and provide a measure of accountability for the heinous crimes they committed against their fellow Cambodians and their country."
The spokesman emphasized that the relationship between the UN and the Government of Cambodia "will have to be governed by a memorandum of understanding."