§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the UK ambassador to the UN voted in relation to the setting up of a tribunal to try former Khmer Rouge leaders; and if he will make a statement. [91069]
356W
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe support a UN-supported tribunal to bring to justice those Khmer Rouge leaders most responsible for the atrocities committed during their regime (1975–79). The UK abstained in a vote on the Khmer Rouge Tribunal Resolution at the 2002 General Assembly because of our concerns that Cambodia's commitment to the process appeared in doubt when it failed to co-sponsor the Resolution; and the UN Secretary General had expressed reservations on the Resolution's implementation. These concerns were shared by a number of other states who also abstained. However, we welcome the recent resumption of talks between Cambodian and United Nations negotiators in New York and remain prepared to offer advice and financial support for a UN-supported tribunal.