Chronology, 1994-2004

April 30, 1994
 The US Congress passes the Cambodian Genocide Justice Act that states “it is the policy of the United States to support efforts to bring to justice members of the Khmer Rouge for their crimes against humanity committed in Cambodia between April 17, 1975, and January 7, 1979.”
Sep 15, 1996
 The Cambodian government provides amnesty to Ieng Sary, former Deputy Prime Minister of the DK government, covering his 1979 conviction and the 1994 law.
April 11, 1997
 The UN Commission on Human Rights adopts resolution 1997/49. The resolution requests the Secretary General, through his Special Representative, to examine any request for assistance in responding to past serious violations of Cambodian and international law.
Jun 21, 1997
 First Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh and Second Prime Minister Hun Sen request the assistance of the UN and international community “in bringing to justice those persons responsible for the genocide and crimes against humanity during the rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979.”
Dec 12, 1997
 The UN General Assembly adopts resolution 52/135 which calls on the Secretary General to examine the request of Cambodian authorities for assistance in responding to past crimes.
July 31, 1998
 The UN Secretary General creates the Group of Experts consisting of Sir Ninian Stephen (Australia, chairman), Judge Rajsoommer Lallah (Mauritius), and Professor Steven Ratner (USA) to assess the feasibility of bringing Khmer Rouge leaders to justice.
Dec 26, 1998
 The Cambodian government announces the defection of Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan.
Feb 12, 1999
 The Cambodian government incorporates what it calls the last remnants of the Khmer Rouge into the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
Feb 18, 1999
 “The Report of the Group of Experts for Cambodia Pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 52/125” is published. The report recommends the creation of an international tribunal and truth commission to judge the crimes of the Khmer Rouge period.
Mar 06, 1999
 Chhit Choeun, alias Mok, is arrested by the Cambodian army under the 1994 Cambodian law banning the Khmer Rouge.
May 05, 1999
 Kang Kek Ieu, former Khmer Rouge chief of Tuol Sleng, also known as Duch or Deuch, is quoted as saying that Nuon Chea ordered him to kill the foreigners at Tuol Sleng and “burn their bodies with tires to leave no bones.”
May 09, 1999
 Duch is charged with murder and membership in an outlawed group under the 1994 Cambodian law banning the Khmer Rouge.
Aug 11, 1999
 The Cambodian National Assembly approves a new law extending the period of detention without trial from six months to three years for people charged with war crimes, crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity.
Aug 13, 1999
 The Cambodian government says it wants to maintain overall control of a UN-backed international-style Khmer Rouge genocide tribunal. Sok An says the tribunal will take place in a Cambodian court, but the participation of foreign judges and legal experts will be accepted.
Aug 24, 1999
 National Assembly president Prince Norodom Ranariddh says Cambodia, not the UN, should appoint the majority of judges on any tribunal for leaders of the Khmer Rouge. Prince Ranariddh criticizes opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who supports UN control of the tribunal.
Aug 26, 1999
 Talks begin between a five-member UN team led by Ralph Zacklin and the Cambodian government negotiating team headed by Sok An, Senior Minister and Minister in Charge of the Council of Ministers.
Aug 31, 1999
 UN and Cambodian officials end a week of negotiations without reaching an agreement on how to set up a genocide tribunal for Khmer Rouge leaders. Ralph Zacklin says that if the Cambodian government does not meet conditions that the UN believes necessary for a tribunal, “The UN will simply cease to follow this process.” The two sides agree to meet again in September.
Sep 07, 1999
 Mok is charged with genocide under a decree issued in 1979.
Sep 18, 1999
 Former Khmer Rouge leaders, now allies of the Hun Sen Government, issue a statement suggesting the possibility of a return to civil war if a tribunal is held. The statement also criticizes demands by human rights groups and opposition politicians that Nuon Chea and Ieng Sary be tried.
Sep 20, 1999
 While attending the 54th UN General Assembly, Hun Sen delivers a document to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan outlining three options for UN involvement in a Khmer Rouge tribunal: 1) provide a legal team and participate in a tribunal conducted in Cambodia’s existing courts; 2) provide a legal team which would not participate in the tribunal; 3) withdraw completely from the proposed tribunal.
Sep 23, 1999
 Sok An says the Cambodian legal team will finalize its second draft of the tribunal law within a few weeks and seek approval from the cabinet, the National Assembly and the Senate. The Cambodian government says it will not change its position on the tribunal for Khmer Rouge leaders.
Oct 19, 1999
 Hun Sen endorses a US proposal for a tribunal with three Cambodian judges and two UN-appointed judges. Decisions would require a “supermajority,” in which at least one of the UN-appointed judges would have to agree with any verdict handed down by the tribunal.
Dec 20, 1999
 The Cambodian government sends the draft tribunal law to the UN. Hun Sen says they will wait until Friday, December 24, for a response.
Dec 23, 1999
 Sok An says, “UN Secretary General Kofi Annan made his comments on the draft, indicating that the UN chose the second option of our memorandum.” He was referring to the three options Hun Sen proposed to Annan in September.
Dec 24, 1999
 The Cambodian government amends the draft tribunal trial law so that tribunal expenses previously to be paid by the UN would be paid by Cambodia. The amendment says that if other countries want to send judges or prosecutors to the proceedings, those countries must pay their own expenses.
Dec 27, 1999
 Benson Samay, Mok’s lawyer, says he plans to issue subpoenas to several former world leaders, including three former US presidents, in order to question them on their support of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. Among those he plans to subpoena are Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush, as well as Margaret Thatcher and Henry Kissinger.
Dec 28, 1999
 A second draft tribunal law is sent to the UN Secretariat with another request to respond promptly.
Jan 05, 2000
 UN legal counsel Hans Corell meets with Ambassador Ouch Borith, the Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the UN, to hand over the UN’s comments on the second draft law concerning the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
Jan 06, 2000
 The Cambodian cabinet approves the draft law to try surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide, despite lingering UN concerns over the limits placed on international jurists.
Jan 07, 2000
 Hun Sen rejects a UN invitation to hold talks in New York to discuss the draft law. But he offers to hold further negotiations in Phnom Penh.
Jan 14, 2000
 The Cambodian cabinet amends the draft tribunal law to allow for the participation of one foreign judge in the investigation process.
Jan 14, 2000
 US Congressman Dana Rohrbacher (R-California) arrives in Cambodia and is greeted at the airport by opposition leader Sam Rainsy. He meets with Hun Sen for talks on democracy and the proposed tribunal for leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime.
Jan 18, 2000
 The UN receives the translation of the amended draft law for a Khmer Rouge tribunal.
Jan 19, 2000
 Sok An tells reporters that he submitted the draft tribunal law to Prince Norodom Ranariddh for debate in the Cambodian National Assembly.
Jan 27, 2000
 Cambodia’s first public forum for discussion of a Khmer Rouge tribunal is held in the northwestern town of Battambang.
Jan 29, 2000
 Prince Norodom Ranariddh expresses frustration with what he says is the UN’s prolonged silence on a plan to judge Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide.
Feb 04, 2000
 Former top Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan says he is willing to come forward and speak out in a public forum.
Feb 08, 2000
 Kofi Annan says that he does not agree with the draft tribunal law approved by the Cambodian government. He identifies four fundamental issues: guarantees that those indicted would be arrested; no amnesties or pardons; the appointment of independent, international prosecutors; and the appointment of a majority of foreign judges.
Feb 12, 2000
 On the sidelines of a UN trade conference in Bangkok, Kofi Annan says he is optimistic that a new UN mission to Cambodia will resolve differences with the government over establishing a tribunal to try surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge.
Mar 06, 2000
 Hun Sen criticizes the UN saying that three former UN Secretaries General should be held accountable for the Khmer Rouge’s occupation of Cambodia’s UN seat during the late 1970s and 1980s. Prince Norodom Ranariddh tells reporters that he understands the “reality” of Hun Sen’s position but that he and his father, King Norodom Sihanouk, hope a compromise can be reached.
Mar 16, 2000
 UN and Cambodian negotiators hold their first meeting in the latest round of negotiations to discuss outstanding differences on the format of a Khmer Rouge tribunal.
Mar 22, 2000
 Following a week of negotiations, Cambodia and the UN announce that they failed to reach agreement on how to convene a joint tribunal of Khmer Rouge leaders.
Mar 31, 2000
 A public forum is held in the southern town of Sihanoukville on whether former leaders should go on trial. About 100 people, including ex-Khmer Rouge soldiers and genocide survivors, attend.
April 10, 2000
 King Norodom Sihanouk declares he is willing to face either a Cambodian-run or international genocide tribunal to explain his role during the rule of the Khmer Rouge.
April 11, 2000
 Foreign Minister Hor Namhong suggests that talks between Prime Minister Hun Sen and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Cuba on April 10 ahead of the G-77 summit may help break the deadlock in efforts to try Khmer Rouge leaders for genocide.
April 19, 2000
 Japan submits a resolution to the UN Human Rights Commission urging the Cambodian government to resolve its differences with the United Nations on the appointment of a special genocide court to try former KR leaders.
April 29, 2000
 Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agrees to accept a proposal put forward by US Senator John Kerry. Under the proposal, a panel of judges– three Cambodian and two foreign– would rule on disputes regarding indictments. Four judges would need to be in agreement to block a case from proceeding.
April 29, 2000
 US Senator John Kerry leaves Cambodia after a two-day visit which focused mostly on the Khmer Rouge tribunal.
May 19, 2000
 Hun Sen sends a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan expressing his support for the compromise formula brokered by US Senator John Kerry in April to try Khmer Rouge leaders.
July 04, 2000
 Hans Corell, the United Nations Undersecretary General for Legal Affairs, arrives in Cambodia for a final round of talks with a team of Cambodian government representatives headed by Sok An, Senior Minister and Chairman of the Council of Ministers.
July 06, 2000
 The United Nations and the Cambodian government finalize details of a draft accord for the trial of former leaders of the KR regime. The envisaged tribunal would be a Cambodian court with the participation of international judges and prosecutors.
July 07, 2000
 Hans Corell presents a draft Memorandum of Understanding that would govern cooperation between the UN and Cambodia in the establishment and operation of a tribunal. The Memorandum is to be signed by the UN and Cambodia after the Cambodian parliament passes the tribunal into law. Hans Corell and Om Yintieng, a top advisor to Prime Minister Hun Sen, tour the Chaktomok Theater, a possible courtroom for the tribunal, before the UN legal team leaves Cambodia.
July 11, 2000
 An unnamed Cambodian government official reports that the UN has agreed to limit the scope of prosecution of KR leaders. According to the official, only “senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were the most responsible” will be tried. (Source: Kyodo News)
Sep 24, 2000
 Hun Sen indicates that former KR Foreign Minister Ieng Sary should not be brought to trial on charges of genocide. Ieng Sary was sentenced to death in absentia in 1979 along with Pol Pot, but was granted amnesty by King Sihanouk after he defected to the government in 1996. “How can a person be convicted twice for the same crime?” asked Hun Sen.
Oct 17, 2000
 Prince Norodom Ranariddh tells reporters that King Norodom Sihanouk has expressed a wish to see the tribunal delayed because he is concerned about peace and stability in the country. Prince Norodom Ranariddh also says that the draft bill on the tribunal is not likely to be adopted this year because the government is more concerned about the recent floods.
Oct 18, 2000
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces on national radio his intention to push the tribunal law forward. He states, “we need to have a court soon or the ghost of the Khmer Rouge will haunt us.”
Nov 02, 2000
 Eleven Nations including Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, submit a resolution to the UN Human Rights Committee requesting the Cambodian government to set up a court to try the Khmer Rouge.
Nov 22, 2000
 U.S. Senator John Kerry ends a two-day visit to Cambodia during which he discussed the progress of the tribunal law with Hun Sen, Sok An, and Prince Norodom Ranariddh. Kerry announces that Cambodian leaders have agreed to expedite the tribunal.
Nov 28, 2000
 The Legislative Committee of the Cambodian Parliament and the government Task Force conclude their discussions on the tribunal draft law. Sok An, Senior Minister and Minister in Charge of the Council of Ministers and the head of the government Task Force, says that the law is now ready to be debated by the National Assembly.
Nov 28, 2000
 In an interview with Japanese television, Hun Sen reaffirms that trying Ieng Sary may create problems for Cambodia. However, he states, “touching Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea would be no problem.”
Dec 19, 2000
 Ieng Sary informs the media that he has been contributing to national rebuilding and reconciliation since his defection in Sept of 1996. He also says that he was only in charge of foreign affairs during the Khmer Rouge regime and was not responsible for the genocide.
Dec 29, 2000
 The Cambodian National Assembly receives the tribunal draft bill from the government Task Force.
Jan 02, 2001
 The Cambodian National Assembly unanimously approves the draft law to establish the extraordinary chamber to try the Khmer Rouge leaders.
Jan 09, 2001
 The UN’s senior lawyer, Hans Corell, dispatches a letter to the Cambodian government expressing his disapproval of the approved draft law. The UN proposes changes to 18 of the 49 articles of the draft law. Mr. Corell also states that the draft law lacks a provision to ensure adequate UN oversight guaranteeing that prosecutors have authority to pursue suspects who are under amnesty.
Jan 12, 2001
 Ten US Congressmen, headed by House of Representatives Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, arrive in Cambodia for a 3-day visit to talk about the tribunal and the upcoming communal election.
Jan 15, 2001
 The Cambodian Senate unanimously approves the draft tribunal law. US Representative Richard Gephardt expresses satisfaction with the progress of the tribunal law.
Jan 19, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that Khieu Samphan, who was head of state under Democratic Kampuchea from April 1976 to Jan 1979, has sent him a message saying that he is willing to face the tribunal if necessary.
Feb 12, 2001
 The Constitutional Council approves the draft law. Yong Sem, member of the Constitutional Council, concludes that the law is “legitimate under constitutional law.” However, the council notes a technical discrepancy in Article 3 of the draft law, which proposes the death penalty as the maximum punishment. Since the death penalty has been abolished under the current Cambodian Constitution, the Council will send the draft law back to the Parliament for amendment.
Feb 16, 2001
 UN human rights envoy, Peter Leuprecht, arrives in Cambodia for a week of talks with senior Cambodian officials about the progress of the tribunal law.
Feb 23, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that the draft law must go back to the drafting stage and must be debated by Parliament again due to the technical discrepancy identified by the Constitutional Council.
Mar 06, 2001
 Sam Rainsy, leader of Cambodian’s main opposition party, withdraws his support for the tribunal and calls for the US and the World Bank to withdraw funding for the trial and for Cambodia saying that the money only goes to corrupted officials. Mr. Rainsy states that the tribunal will not be credible and that he only supported the law in the past because he feared being blamed for blocking the progress of bringing the Khmer Rouge to justice.
April 25, 2001
 The UN Human Rights Commission adopts a resolution sponsored by Japan urging the Cambodian government to setup a genocide tribunal as soon as possible.
April 25, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen tells reporters that the tribunal draft bill will be finalized before an international donor meeting in Tokyo in June.
May 03, 2001
 In an interview with the Far Eastern Economic Review, Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that without further disturbances from the UN, the tribunal could happen before this year ends.
May 09, 2001
 Prince Norodom Ranariddh states that Cambodia will hold trials of Khmer Rouge leaders by year-end.
May 18, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen denies accusations by reporters that China is pressuring the Cambodian government over the issue of the tribunal. The announcement coincides with a 4-day visit by Chinese Parliamentary leader, Li Peng.
May 21, 2001
 UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urges the Cambodian government to expedite the tribunal law. Mr. Annan tells reporters that his office has not heard anything from the Cambodian government about the tribunal for about six months.
May 24, 2001
 Prince Norodom Ranariddh tells reporters that the government is not likely to approve the tribunal bill before the Tokyo donor meeting in June.
June 01, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen pledges that he will ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). If approved by the Parliament, Cambodia will be the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to ratify the Statute. The Prime Minister states, “Cambodia will benefit the most because of its incomparable experience of genocide in recent years.”
June 12, 2001
 Hun Sen announces to international donors that Cambodia plans to enact the tribunal bill soon. The Prime Minister says that he has deep respect for justice.
June 17, 2001
 Former Khmer Rouge chief ideologist and Brother Number Two, Nuon Chea, says he will face the Khmer Rouge tribunal court and would accept its legitimacy. However, Nuon Chea insists he had no knowledge of the killings until after his defection to the government in December 1998.
June 19, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen says the Council of Ministers will swiftly approve the tribunal draft law by Friday, June 22 before forwarding the bill to the Parliament, the Constitutional Council and King Norodom Sihanouk for final approval.
June 22, 2001
 The Cambodian government amends the Khmer Rouge tribunal draft law replacing death penalty with life in prison as the maximum punishment. Prime Minister Hun Sen also expresses optimism that the Khmer Rouge tribunal could take place by the end of this year.
June 27, 2001
 In response to recent media statements that a tribunal to try senior Khmer Rouge leaders could start this year, the UN issued a press released stating that no internationally recognized trials could start until the Memorandum of Understanding between the UN and Cambodia is signed and ratified.
June 28, 2001
 Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk assures Peter Leuprecht, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Human Rights in Cambodia, that he will sign into law a bill to set up a UN-assisted tribunal to bring leaders of the Khmer Rouge to justice.
June 29, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen accuses the UN of “forcing Cambodia to follow its will” (The Associated Press). Prime Minister Hun Sen says that if the UN is unhappy about the bill, it can withdraw from the tribunal and that if the UN decides to do so, “that would be great” (The Associated Press).
June 30, 2001
 Prince Norodom Ranariddh reiterates Prime Minister Hun Sen’s position that Cambodia will not bow to UN demands regarding the Khmer Rouge tribunal bill. Prince Norodom Ranariddh stresses that “Cambodia will have no further negotiation” and “whether the UN accepts this law or not is their problem” (Reuters).
July 11, 2001
 The Cambodian National Assembly approves legislation to establish a tribunal to try leaders of the Khmer Rouge. After the approval, Sok An, the President of the Task Force for Cooperation with Foreign Legal Experts, tells reporters that he and Hans Corell, UN Chief Legal Counsel, “will continue to negotiate more after the law comes into effect” (Japan Today).
July 12, 2001
 King Sihanouk announces that he will not involve himself with the tribunal process especially over the issue of “whether to try Ieng Sary, Noun Chea and Khieu Samphan.” (Japan Economic Newswire)
July 13, 2001
 The Cambodian Senate receives the revised Khmer Rouge tribunal legislation.
July 16, 2001
 The War Crimes Research Office at American University releases a report by Stephen Heder and Brian Tittemore outlining charges and available evidence related to the possible prosecution of seven living leaders of the Khmer Rouge. The seven leaders examined in the report are Nuon Chea, Ieng Sary, Khieu Samphan, Ta Mok, Kae Pok, Sou Met, and Meah Mut.
July 18, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that the indictment of leaders of the Khmer Rouge is a decision to be made by the court, and not by scholars. The Prime Minister characterizes the findings as foreign interference in Cambodia’s legal system. (Associated Press)
   
July 23, 2001
 The Cambodian Senate unanimously approves the new Khmer Rouge tribunal legislation. After the vote, Sok An tells reporters that he is optimistic that Cambodia and the UN will reach a resolution and that, “the date of the trial now depends on these negotiations.” (Reuters)
July 30, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen says in a speech at a teacher’s college that the “government has not yet ordered the arrests of Khieu Samphan, Nuon Chea or Keo Pauk,” suggesting that the arrests need to be balanced with peace and national reconciliation. (Agence France Presse)
Aug 01, 2001
 Sok An indicates that the Cambodian government is still seeking the UN’s participation in a genocide tribunal. In a speech given in his home province, Takeo, Sok An says, we need a partnership between us the Cambodian government and the United Nations in the trial process of Khmer Rouge leaders. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Aug 06, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen issues warning that “a Khmer Rouge trial will create concern for investors” [because] “this issue is related to peace and war. That is why we must be very careful.” Nonetheless, the Prime Minister expresses hope that the Constitutional Council will approve the legislation. (Reuter)
Aug 07, 2001
 The Constitutional Council approves the Khmer Rogue tribunal legislation.
Aug 07, 2001
 A lawyer for Chief executioner of the Khmer Rouge S-21 prison, who is known as Kang Kek Ieu or Duch, announces that his client will testify against leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime who ordered the executions of an estimated 16,000 people at the prison. (Reuter)
Aug 08, 2001
 Sok An says that he would invite UN legal negotiation team to Phnom Penh for discussion about international participation over the tribunal. He says that Cambodia do not “have any intention to delay this affair at all.” (Associated Press)
Aug 10, 2001
 King Sihanouk signs the Khmer Rouge tribunal legislation into law.
Aug 14, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen (addressing the inauguration of three bridges on the 56th route in Pursat province) states that his government will not sign any memorandum of understanding that does not conform to Cambodian law. (Xinhua)
Aug 20, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen requests the UN to start negotiations with the Cambodian government in Cambodia. (Xinhua)
Aug 30, 2001
 United States Senators Patrick Leahy and Mitch McConnell send a letter urging the UN to be firm in setting standards for the Khmer Rouge trials. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Sep 01, 2001
 Cambodia sends the translated tribunal legislation to the UN. (Agence France-Presse)
Nov 12, 2001
 The UN cites a series of legal discrepancies in Cambodia’s tribunal legislation that need further negotiation. (Agence France-Presse)
Nov 16, 2001
 Prime Minister Hun Sen expresses frustration with the UN’s lack of commitment to set up a tribunal. He reasserts that his government is willing to go ahead with trials without UN participation. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Feb 08, 2002
 The UN breaks off negotiations with the Cambodian government. Hans Corell announces that the impasse is such that “it is not likely that the parties will be able to solve it through further negotiations.” A UN spokesman states that the “Cambodian court would not guarantee independence, impartiality and objectivity.” (New York Times)
Feb 11, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that his government is keeping the door open and will welcome resumption of negotiations. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Feb 15, 2002
 Ke Pauk, a former Khmer Rouge commander and a potential candidate for the tribunal, dies at 68 in Thailand, where he was being treated for low blood pressure. (New York Times)
Feb 22, 2002
 Cambodian prosecutors charge former Khmer Rouge military commander ‘Ta’ Mok with crimes against humanity. Mok was also charged with genocide in March 1999. (The Weekend Australian)
Mar 13, 2002
 After meeting with ambassadors from some one dozen countries, who urged him to resume negotiation, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan advised them that “it would be more effective if they made a demarche in Phnom Penh and persuaded Prime Minister Hun Sen to change his position and attitude.” (UN Press Release)
Mar 15, 2002
 The Cambodian government responds to Kofi Annan’s statement, saying that the UN had misunderstood Cambodia’s stance on the tribunal law. The government issues a statement saying that Mr. Annan’s statement “reflects certain misunderstandings of the Cambodian government position, which we would like to clarify in the belief that there is every basis for the negotiations to resume.” (Japan Economic Newswire)
Mar 18, 2002
 Mr. Sok An, head of the government negotiation Task Force, calls on the UN to resume negotiations. He states, “we cannot say we are at an impasse because the door remains open.” (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Mar 20, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that his government will only wait three more months for the UN to resume negotiations. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Apr 09, 2002
 Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee announces that India will assist Cambodia in trials. The Prime Minister says, “we had offered to send a judge to participate in the trial. If the UN finally says no, then a decision will be taken.” (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
May 14, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen accuses the UN of blocking progress in setting up Khmer Rouge trials. The Prime Minister says, “I now suspect that political tricks are being played by the United Nations to protect the Khmer Rouge.” He also reaffirms Cambodia’s commitment to move forward with the trials alone. (Japan Economic Newswire)
June 03, 2002
 UN human rights envoy Peter Leuprecht urges the UN to participate in Khmer Rouge trials. He states, “I regret the decision taken in February by ambassador Corell and the secretary general.” (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
June 20, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen reveals to reporters that his government has been negotiating with the UN. He states, “high-level negotiations are going on behind the scenes and have been constructive.” (Japan Economic Newswire)
July 02, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen announces that his government is ready to compromise with the UN on Khmer Rouge legislation. (Japan Economic Newswire)
July 04, 2002
 Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Hor Namhong reports that Cambodia and the UN had reached an informal compromise. Referring to a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Secretary General Kofi Annan, Mr. Hor states, “after talking on the phone there was a compromise.” (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Aug 20, 2002
 UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announces that he is willing to reopen talks on Khmer Rouge trials if UN member states gave him a clear mandate to do so. (Agence France-Presse)
Nov 06, 2002
 South African President Thabo Mbeki announces that his country is ready to provide assistance to Cambodia regarding Khmer Rogue trials. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Nov 20, 2002
 The UN Third Committee passes a draft resolution outlining new plans on Khmer Rouge trials. The resolution also calls for resumption of negotiations with the Cambodian government and is to be put to a final vote in the General Assembly before providing a mandate. (New York Times)
Nov 21, 2002
 Mr. Sok An welcomes the Third Committee’s adoption of the resolution. He expresses enthusiasm in cooperating with the UN in setting up the trials. (Jiji Press)
Nov 22, 2002
 Prime Minister Hun Sen tells reporters that he is happy with the UN decision and that his government is looking forward to cooperating with the UN. (Associated Press)
Jan 06, 2003
 Cambodia and the UN resume talks over the Khmer Rouge trials in New York. Xinhua General News Service.
Jan 14, 2003
 Mr. Sok An meets with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Secretariat of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge Tribunal Task Force.
Mar 13, 2003
 A UN delegation led by Hans Corell arrives in Cambodia for further negotiations on the trials.Deutsche Presse-Agentur
Mar 17, 2003
 UN and the Cambodian government reach a draft agreement regarding the frameworks of the Khmer Rouge trials. Secretariat of the Task Force.
Mar 28, 2003
 Cambodian Council of Ministers approves the draft agreement with the UN. Agence France Presse
Mar 31, 2003
 Secretary General Kofi Annan issues a report commenting on the draft agreement. He estimates that the international component of the Extraordinary Chambers will cost over $19 million. Secretariat of the Task Force.
May 02, 2003
 UN Third-Committee adopts resolutions approving the Draft agreement. Secretariat of the Task Force.
May 13, 2003
 The UN General Assembly approves the draft agreement with Cambodia. Agence France Presse.
June 04, 2003
 Sweden offers funding to the Secretariat of the Task Force. Secretariat of the Task Force.
June 06, 2003
 United Nations legal counsel Hans Corell and Cambodia Chief Negotiator Sok An sign the Agreement (memorandum of understanding) regarding the establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers to try Khmer Rouge leaders. Agence France Presse
June 13, 2003
 Cambodia’s Council of Ministers approves the signed text of the Agreement and hands it over to the National Assembly for ratification. Secretariat of the Task Force.
June 19, 2003
 Australia pledges A$1.5 million for the Extraordinary Chambers. Secretariat of the Task Force.
July 01, 2003
 Pol Pot’s first wife, Khieu Ponnary, dies at age 83. Her involvement in the revolution was extensive and some had cited her as a potential defendant for trial.
June 08, 2003
 United Kingdom offers funding to the Secretariat of the Task Force. Secretariat of the Task Force.
July 24, 2003
 Kings Sihanouk tells reporters: “ I will not humiliate myself by presenting an expose before the tribunal if they want to try me for crimes.” (Agence France Presse)
July 27, 2003
 Cambodia holds general elections for seats in the National Assembly. The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) wins a majority of the 123 seats, but is unable to obtain a two-thirds majority to form a government. Parliamentary deadlock continues for the remainder of the year.
Oct 01, 2003
 The United Nations appoints Mr. Karsten Herrel as Coordinator for United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT). Secretariat of the Task Force.
Dec 07, 2003
 A team of United Nations experts led by Mr. Herrel arrives in Cambodia to hold talks with the Task Force and various government ministries. The UN team gathers information about costs and other practical matters about the implementation of the agreement. Agence France Presse
Dec 12, 2003
 The Cambodia Task Force and the UNAKRT release a joint press statement expressing substantial progress in the planning of the practical measures towards establishing the Extraordinary Chambers. Mr. Sok An says, “ratification of the Agreement will be the highest priority for the new government and National Assembly, to be addressed immediately on resolution of the current political deadlock.” Secretariat of the Task Force.
Jan 7, 2004
 Twenty-fifth anniversary of the overthrow of the Khmer Rouge regime. CPP president Chea Sim states: “The unfortunate Cambodians who both survived and were killed have to receive justice” for the “most cruel genocide policy” of the Khmer Rouge. “We will be able to completely close down this dark chapter through the successful implementation of the law to form an extraordinary tribunal to judge the crimes committed under the Democratic Kampuchea regime.” New York Times, Jan. 8, 2004. For the Law, go here
Feb 24, 2004
 H.E. Hans Corell, Legal Counsel and Under-Secretary General of the United Nations, retires.
Mar 10, 2004
 U.N. delegation headed by Karsten Herrel arrives in Phnom Penh to finalize a Khmer Rouge tribunal budget and other logistical issues. (Agence France Presse)
Mar 28, 2004
 Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk announces his willingness to testify in the Extraordinary Chambers. (Agence France Presse)
June 26, 2004
 Cambodian political parties reach settlement to set up new government after 11-month deadlock. (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
Aug 6, 2004
 Cambodia’s Cabinet approves the Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers and the agreement between the government and the U.N. (Agence France Presse)
Aug 24, 2004
 Cambodian judges and prosecutors begin a two-week training course on international law in preparation for the Khmer Rouge trials. (Japan Economic Newswire)
Oct 5, 2004
 The Cambodian National Assembly approves the Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers. (The New York Times)
Oct 27, 2004
 Cambodian acting Head of State Chea Sim promulgates the Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chamber. (Japan Economic Newswire)