Saturday, 2 February 2008

UN Expects Enough Funds for Tribunal

By Sok Khemara,
VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
01 February 2008

Audio in Khmer - Listen (MP3)

UN officials said Friday they would be able to garner enough money from member nations to keep the cash-strapped Khmer Rouge tribunal afloat.

The hybrid tribunal, whose cost is expected to rise beyond the original $56-million price tag, has indicted five former leaders of the regime, but proceedings may take longer than expected, leaving observers worried the money will dry up.

The tribunal needs another $45 million to keep going, experts say.

“We are seeking funds, and we believe that there will be sufficient funds,” said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.

Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said the courts were stretching the money as much as possible, but he was pleased to hear efforts were being made to find more.

The US and others say they won’t fund a tribunal that does not meet international standards of justice and transparency.

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