Joint Statement by Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Sok An and Ambassador David Scheffer, Special Expert to the Secretary-General of the United Nations

The following is the Joint Statement by Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Sok An and Ambassador David Scheffer, Special Expert to the Secretary-General of the United Nations:

“This afternoon Deputy Prime Minister His Excellency Sok An met with Ambassador David Scheffer, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Expert on the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials, to discuss the ongoing cooperation of the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia in support of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

Their discussions were frank and constructive, and covered a range of important issues facing the ECCC. They agreed that the trial proceedings before the ECCC are a historic achievement in serving the interests of justice and the victims.

Although the Deputy Prime Minister and the Special Expert have differing views on the interpretation of the ECCC Agreement, they intend to continue their close discussions on the most critical issues, and both remain optimistic that the Court can achieve its mandate.