Ruling Party Warns Against Subversion of Tribunal

Chea Sim (middle) flanked by Hun Sen (r) and Heng Samrin (left) during the commemoration of the 29th anniversary of the ouster of the Khmer Rouge regime on 7th January, 2008.


By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh
07 January 2008

The president of the Cambodian People's Party said Monday the ruling party would continue to support the Khmer Rouge tribunal "in spirit and materials," as trials for jailed former leaders approach.
Speaking on the 29th anniversary of the ouster of the Khmer Rogue by Vietnamese forces, CPP President Chea Sim warned other groups not to politicize the tribunal.
"We dismiss all actions that use the [tribunal] to create instability and division in societies in Cambodia," he said.
On Jan. 7, 1979, Vietnamese forces pushed the Khmer Rouge out of Phnom Penh, establishing an occupation government and beginning a new round of civil strife.
Five top leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime were arrested in 2007 and charged with war crimes or crimes against humanity.