Phnom Penh (FN), May 22 – Cambodian Senate President, Samdech Techo Hun Sen disclosed some secrets regarding the operation of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, at the closing of the conference on the “Future of Cambodia Without Genocide” at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) on Wednesday (May 22).

Samdech Techo stated that during the first visit of the Secretary-general of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon in October 2010, discussions were held regarding the proceedings of the Khmer Rouge tribunal. Ban Ki-moon demanded a trial on the case, and in addition to indicting the Khmer Rouge leaders, many other high-ranking dignitaries were also indicted.

"I must confirm to the world that I spoke to UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon during his first visit to Cambodia. Regarding expanding the charges in Cases 001, 002, 003, 004 and all the messy trials, I told Ban Ki-moon that I would rather let the Khmer Rouge tribunal to fail than risk the country going to war again. At that time, in addition to accusing the leaders of Democratic Kampuchea, there were also indictments against the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Keat Chhon, Hor Namhong, Samdech Chea Sim, Samdech Heng Samrin, Ouk Bunchhoeun, and Sim Ka. Other ranks that may be relevant include division chiefs, commune chiefs, regional chiefs, and district chiefs," Samdech Techo underscored.

On the occasion, Samdech Techo Hun Sen stated that the UN's demand was coercion without considering the difficulties that will arise. He reminded that if the UN continues to force the trial to extend to other leaders, this hybrid tribunal will fail.
=FRESH NEWS