Statement by Ms. Patricia O’Brien, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs

H.E. Deputy Prime Minister, Sok An, and Ms. Patricia O’Brien, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Legal Affairs, the Legal Counsel, met this afternoon to discuss recent developments at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

The Legal Counsel’s visit follows the resignation on 9 October 2011 of international Co-Investigating Judge Siegfried Blunk. In his press release of 10 October 2011, Judge Blunk linked his resignation to statements by senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia opposing the progress of Cases 003 and 004.

The Legal Counsel referred to the Secretary-General’s strong support for the work of the ECCC.

The Legal Counsel expressed concern regarding recent developments at the ECCC. She reiterated the United Nations’ consistent call upon all persons to respect and support the integrity and independence of the ECCC judicial process.

The Legal Counsel strongly urged the Royal Government of Cambodia to refrain from statements opposing the progress of Cases 003 and 004 and to refrain from interfering in any way whatsoever with the judicial process. She emphasized the obligation of the Royal Government of Cambodia to cooperate fully with the ECCC.