(Pursat): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that had Samdech Techo Hun Sen not opposed the United Nations’ proposal to expand investigations at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, Cambodia could have plunged back into war because former Khmer Rouge soldiers would not have accepted such a move.

The premier spoke on Saturday (May 17) during the inauguration ceremony of a new three-storey school building, along with other achievements, at Hun Sen Promaoy High School in Pursat Province.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that while justice for Khmer Rouge atrocities is essential, peace for those who survived the regime is even more vital.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, “Recently, Samdech Techo gave a speech in Timor-Leste, stating that if he hadn’t stood up to the UN during his time as Head of Government, Cambodia would have seen another war. Some misunderstood this message. When the UN initiated trials at the Khmer Rouge Tribunal, they pushed to expand the investigations beyond top leaders to include military commanders, other individuals involved, and even the former King.”

Prime Minister Hun Manet added that international actors entering Cambodia were focused only on legal proceedings, without fully understanding the country’s fragile peace and complex political landscape. At that time, if military commanders and local leaders had been summoned to court, they likely would not have complied, especially given how recent the peace had been achieved.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei highlighted that while seeking justice under international law is important, it must be balanced with national justice and reconciliation to prevent the risk of future conflict.
=FRESH NEWS