PHNOM PENH, March 1, 2012 (PRU) – Cambodia and United
Nations had “very constructive discussions” on Thursday 1 March over some key
issues concerning the Extraordinary Chambers within the Courts of Cambodia
(ECCC). Both sides wished not to reveal details of their discussions as they
need to consider further how best to pave way for the ECCC to continue its
important work more speedily and smoothly.
His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sok An and
Ambassador David Scheffer, Special Expert of the Secretary-General of the
United Nations on the Khmer Rouge Trials, welcomed the recent contributions by
a number of donor countries in the friends of the ECCC, especially to the
national side, and expressed the hope that contributions will soon complete the
full budget figure requested for both sides.
While strongly appreciating the achievements of the
ECCC, they exchanged views and agreed that more needs to be done to allow the
Court to achieve its goal in a timely manner.
His Excellency Dr. Sok An said that his discussion with
David Scheffer was fruitful, “showing that the U.N. and Cambodia are working
hand in hand and keeping in touch to seek appropriate solutions to any issues
that may arise.
Ambassador Scheffer said that both sides “have had very
constructive discussions on some key issues” and he will inform the
Secretary-General and the Legal Counsel of the United Nations in New York about
the results of his talks.
This second working visit to Phnom Penh since his
appointment as the Secretary-General’s Special Expert in January continued their frank and constructive
discussions covering a range of important issues facing the ECCC.
Above all, they stressed that the
trial proceedings before the ECCC are a historic achievement in serving the
interests of justice and the victims.
