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| David Scheffer (Photo: AP) |
Jan 25, 2012
DPA
Phnom Penh – A United Nations expert on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal said Wednesday that a judge can investigate upcoming cases at the court, despite Cambodia’s decision not to endorse his appointment.
The UN has called Cambodia’s move not to approve Laurent Kasper-Ansermet in the role of international co-investigating judge a ‘breach’ of a 2003 agreement between the UN and Cambodia on Khmer Rouge prosecutions.
Special expert on UN assistance to the Khmer Rouge trials, Ambassador David Scheffer, held a press conference Wednesday following four days of back-to-back meetings that included a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.
Scheffer said that ‘it is not necessary’ for judge Kasper-Ansermet to be recognized by Cambodia’s judiciary, though it would be a ‘sign of cooperation.’
‘Our view is this particular individual, judge Kasper-Ansermet, has clear authority to fulfil duties in this country and we look forward to him doing so,’ he said.
A government spokesman said Wednesday that the judiciary did have a choice whether to approve the judge or not, but the government would talk with the UN to ‘solve this kind of problem.’
The role of international co-investigating judge has been vacant since German judge Siegfried Blunk stepped down in October, citing perceived political interference in two cases currently under investigation, known as Cases 003 and 004.
Senior Cambodian officials have repeatedly said the government would not permit either case to reach trial at the UN-backed court. Kasper-Ansermet has voiced his determination to investigate the cases on Twitter.
The tribunal is investigating crimes against humanity during the Maoist Khmer Rouge’s 1975-79 rule, during which 1.7 million to 2.2 million people died, according to tribunal estimates.
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