Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Groups Urge Tribunal Speed, Transparency

By Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Original report from Washington
16 December 2008

Non-governmental agencies working closely with the Khmer Rouge tribunal said Monday they were disappointed in court delays and corruption allegations, following a high-level UN visit.

In a statement, the organizations said a lack of public information remained a concern.

“We would therefore like to take this opportunity to appeal to all relevant stakeholders—the UN, the Government of Cambodia, and the donor community—to follow this renewed commitment with further cooperation from all parties to ensure the ECCC is a success,” the statement said, referring to the tribunal by its official initials, for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Court of Cambodia.

Tribunal spokesman Reach Sambath said Monday the comments from the organization did not necessitate a reply, but he noted the tribunal was near to announcing a date for its first trial, of jailed prison chief Kaing Kek Iev.

“That’s what people want to know,” he said.

Organizations surrounding the proceedings recommended more transparency, including public access to proceedings, following discussions between senior government and UN officials last week.

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