DATE=3/17/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CAMBODIA / KHMER ROUGE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-260279
BYLINE=KAY JOHNSON
DATELINE=PHNOM PENH
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-N and Cambodian negotiators have reported
progress (Friday) in their opening round of talks on
setting up a special court to try leaders of the
brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Kay Johnson
reports from Phnom Penh.
TEXT: After weeks of hard-line talk from the Cambodian
side, negotiations with the United Nations started
with a softer tone Friday. Both sides say their
positions are moving closer.
Hans Corell, the U-N chief negotiator and top legal
official, says he is optimistic after the first full
day of negotiations.
/// CORELL ACT ///
In many cases we have found common ground and
common understanding. There are still issues
that we need to discuss further ... We realize
that we are working very hard. There are
certain questions that need further discussion
as I said and we shouldn't be shy about that.
But as far as I'm concerned I'm very pleased
with the progress so far.
/// END ACT ///
Despite the positive words, it is still not clear
whether these talks will end in a deal to jointly run
trials for Khmer Rouge atrocities of the 1970s. The
special tribunal proposed would be the first of its
kind, made up of both United Nations and Cambodian
judges, which would try those responsible for the
deaths of more than one million Cambodians.
But the United Nations and Cambodia still differ on
the several issues. The world body wants more
international control in the court to make sure that
Cambodian politics do not taint the trials. Critics
fear Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen wants to control
the proceedings so he can protect several top Khmer
Rouge leaders who have defected to his government.
Friday's talks marked a step closer in the two sides'
positions. But whether there is enough common ground
to strike a deal remains to be seen. (Signed)
NEB/KJ/JO
17-Mar-2000 08:16 AM EDT (17-Mar-2000 1316 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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