Once more speculation arise whether the UN-sponsored tribunal agains former Khmer Rouge leaders actually will take place.

I just want to ask: How long should the Cambodian people wait?

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John

Dear John,

Provided whether Cambodia has an independent judicial system or not, your question can be answered. Depending on the UN is not the answer. The UN, despite it's lofty claims, has so far fell short of it's objectives.

How can anyone in Cambodia who had lost their kit and kin ever gets 'restorative justice' when the value of life in the region is not much. To add insult to injury it's the hypocrisy the international community has shown on such issues. Whether you want to call it 'diplomatic' by not calling 'a spade a spade', the lack of courage or reluctant to call the act of 'genocide' as genocide then, let alone the people in Cambodia, can anyone of us as humans expect justice to be served?

Warazein,

Thank you for your response! I appreciate your comment.

Personally, though, I am convinced that international presence in the tribunal is absolutely necessary. That is also how the proceedings have been planned.

I agree that also the international community has much to answer for in Cambodia.

Still, there are at least two reasons why international judges should participate:

- First, it will the court credibility in the eyes of the victims. Hardly any family in Cambodia was unaffected by the Khmer Rouge year, either as victims or as members of Khmer Rouge. International judges will add an aspect of neutrality to the proceedings.

- Second, both the political and judicial system in Cambodia are highly influenced by corruption. This fact would also weaken the credibility of a purely Cambodian court.

John

Don't forget that after Vietnam invasion, the world community, including United Nations, reconize the government lead by Norodom Sihanouk including Khmers Rouges. How to juge them now ?