Gov’t Appoints Leaders of KR Trial Security

The government recently appointed a special committee to ensure security for participants in an expected trial of former Kh­mer Rouge leaders to be jointly held by Cambodia and the UN.

According to Deputy Director General of National Police Mao Chandara, Interior Ministry Secretary of State Em Sam An is heading the security committee. National Police Director General Hok Lundy will be second in command, he said.

Mao Chandara said deputies on the committee include himself, RCAF Deputy Commander in Chief Pol Saroeun, Deputy Direct­or General of National Police Neth Savoeun and RCAF Deputy Joint Chief of Staff Nov Sam.

He said other committee members include Interior Ministry Deputy Administrative Director Ich Sarou, Phnom Penh Deputy Gov­ernor Mab Sarin and Nat­ional Military Police Deputy Com­mander Vong Pisen.

The committee will also in­clude a representative from the Ministry of Finance and governors of provinces and municipalities where witnesses and suspects reside, Mao Chandara said.

The two highest-ranking committee members have seen some controversy during their careers. Em Sam An was removed as head of the National Authority for Combating Drugs in 2001, after his personal aide was arrested for drug trafficking.

And after the killing of union leader Chea Vichea earlier this year, opposition leaders called for the removal of Hok Lundy, saying he had failed to provide security.

The committee, which has not convened, was approved by Dep­uty Prime Minister Sar Kheng on March 24, Mao Chandara said.

Article 24 of the draft agreement to establish the tribunal makes security Cambodia’s responsibility, but Mao Chandara said the UN will provide personnel.

The number of personnel and the division of responsibilities has not been decided.

But a UN force will likely be allowed to carry guns in Cambo­dia again, if they submit a formal request, Mao Chandara said.

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