The Mirror, Vol. 11, No. 526
“Phnom Penh: Prince Sisowath Thomico asked Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen to check the possibility to end the Khmer Rouge tribunal because this mixed tribunal cannot find justice, instead it will cause political chaos and create instability in the nation, and also peace may be lost.
“According to a letter dated 16 September 2007 and sent to Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Prince Thomico said that Preah Mohavirak Khsatr [the Great Heroic King] had announced many times that he has no confidence that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia can provide justice to the compatriots throughout the country. Prince Thomico himself has also no hope to receive justice from the Khmer Rouge tribunal. On the contrary, based on reactions during the past two weeks, he observed that a number of opportunists exploit the sufferings of our nation for politics. He continued, ‘Later on, I am sure that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia will cause political chaos, making our nation lose peace and stability.’ He added, ‘I had the honor to write a letter to Samdech Prime Minister to check the possibility to end the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia under this situation.’
“Mr. Reach Sambath, the Press Officer of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, said on Monday [17.9.2007] afternoon, ‘We have already seen the letter that Prince Thomico sent to Samdech Prime Minister.’ He went on to say, ‘What the Prince raised in the letter is an expression of his opinion. We do not make comments on expressions of opinion.’ However, he stated that the purpose of the Khmer Rouge tribunal is to find justice. The Khmer Rouge tribunal was created by an agreement between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations, the related legislation was adopted by the National Assembly and signed by the King.
“As for Mr. Khieu Kanharith, the Minister of Information and the spokesperson of the government, he said, ‘The Royal Government of Cambodia has no intention to close down the tribunal.’ He continued that there is nothing wrong with the Khmer Rouge tribunal; however, some foreign individuals said something wrong – the judges did not do this. Thus, the tribunal will proceed. He said, ‘The Royal Government has taken the position to try the [former] Khmer Rouge leaders.’
“Nonetheless, he expressed some doubt about the UN side in the process of the tribunal, saying that the UN side often raises one issue after another, such as the lawyers’ registration fees, and now the issue about Preah Mohavirak Khsatr. He asked, ‘What do they want?’
“Article 46 of the law on the creation of the Khmer Rouge tribunal states that – in case the foreign judges and prosecutors withdraw themselves – Cambodia can invite other judges from UN members countries, or other legally competent foreign persons. However, in case there are no foreign judges or prosecutor available, the Supreme Council of Magistracy can appoint Khmer judges, or an investigating council, or prosecutors instead.
“The controversy over the Khmer Rouge tribunal erupted after [the Public Affairs Officer] Mr. Peter Foster, from the UN side, mentioned the possibility that the Khmer Rouge tribunal may summon Preah Mohavirak Khsatr, if the judges and prosecutors of the tribunal would decide so. Then, there were a number of opinions, including from Mr. Lao Mong Hay, mentioning the possibility to remove the immunity of Preah Mohavirak Khsatr, in order to open a way to invite him to the tribunal.” Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.15, #4392, 18.9.2007
Newspapers Appearing on the Newsstand:
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Chakraval, Vol.15, #2716, 18.9.2007
- Prince Sisowath Thomico Calls for End of Khmer Rouge Tribunal by Saying that the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia Will Cause Political Chaos in Cambodia
- Kratie: Economic Police from Ministry [of Interior] and Provincial Police Seize Wood Rafts of Nearly 1,000 Cubic Meters of Wood When the Rafts Were Released by Forestry Officials
Khmer Machas Srok, Vol.1, #27, 18.9.2007
- Prince Thomico Demands Hun Sen Cancel Khmer Rouge Tribunal
- Money Power of 7NG Company Causes a Woman to Be Jailed, Away from Her Very Young Baby; Court Continues to Accuse 67 Villagers [over land dispute – Phnom Penh]
Kampuchea Thmey, Vol.6, #1447, 18.9.2007
- Prince Thomico Asks Samdech Prime Minister to Close Khmer Rouge Tribunal
- European Community Will Participate in 2008 Election in Cambodia
- A Phnom Penh Municipal Deputy Government [Khun Sea, from Funcinpec] Resigns Quietly [he said that he had a serious traffic accident in America]
- US Arrests 160 Demonstrators in Washington [who demand Bush Government to end war in Iraq]
Koh Santepheap, Vol.40, #6147, 18.9.2007
- National Election Committee Publicly Calls to Check Names and Voter Registrations from 15 September Until 20 October
- US Soldier’s Remains Returned Home after Being Found in Prey Nob [Sihanoukville]
Rasmei Kampuchea, Vol.15, #4392, 18.9.2007
Prince Thomico Wants Samdech Hun Sen to Abolish the Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Cambodia Wins First Class in Hair Style Competition in Japan
Thai Plane Crashes in Phuket [Thailand], Killing 90 People on Board
Sralanh Khmer, Vol.3, #507, 18.9.2007
Prince Thomico Asks Hun Sen to Abolish Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Recent Comments