Opposition leader Sam Rainsy said Wednesday that his party will not approve the Khmer Rouge draft law unless all revisions are accepted by the UN.
He said members of the Sam Rainsy Party had voted for the law because Minister of Cabinet Sok An had assured them the UN would “have no problem” with the law as written.
“But in fact, the UN is still not happy with the draft,” Sam Rainsy said. “I would like confirmation from the UN. If they don’t endorse it, we cannot vote for it.”
Sam Rainsy said it is crucial the tribunal meet international standards of justice. The country has already endured one Khmer Rouge show trial in 1979, he said, and does not need another one.
US Ambassador Kent Wiedemann, who met with National Assembly President Prince Norodom Ranariddh Wednesday, said US President George W Bush hopes for a speedy trial. The ambassador also said the US plans to help pay for next year’s elections, but did not provide details.
Sam Rainsy and Prince Ranariddh both said they support cremating victims of the Pol Pot regime, after a referendum.
