CAMBODIA, PHNOM PENH, JULY 26, 2010-The European Union and the Royal Government of Cambodia on Monday have agreed a contribution worth 2 million euros (US$ 2.6 million) in support of the Cambodian side of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. The funding will go to pay the salaries of the Cambodian judges, prosecutors and legal support staff serving at the Trial and Appeals Chambers for the next year. It will be managed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on behalf of the EU.
The two million euros is part of a 7.7-million-euro package supporting legal reform and governance in Cambodia and comes on top of one million euros donated by the EU to the Extraordinary Chambers of the Courts in Cambodia (ECCC) in 2007."The first sentencing of the Tribunal is a historical occurrence and a unique opportunity to help to bring to closure a dark chapter of the Cambodian modern history. I hope that it will also be a start for the introduction of international law in Cambodia. The EU is the main supporter of the Cambodian side of the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. We believe that this process is important to increase the standards and perceptions of justice in Cambodia. Failure to resolve governance issues is a major obstacle to poverty reduction, growth and effectiveness of aid and these issues must be addressed." said HE David Lipman, Ambassador and Head of EU Delegation to Cambodia.HE Tony Kranh, Acting Director of Administration expresses his “deepest gratitude” to the EU which, as the ECCC’s substantial donor, plays an essential role in the peace-building process and socio-economic development of Cambodia.
“EU’s contribution participates directly in bringing justice and strengthening national judicial reform in Cambodia,” HE Kranh said.“The successful completion of the trial phase in Case 001 was widely welcomed both nationally and internationally. Investigations in Case 002 concluded in January, and we are expecting the Closing Order by September.I hope that EU will continue its engagement with the ECCC in the future so that the Court is able to complete its mandate in line with the indicative timelines while respecting the due process.” Tony added.
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