WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2744/97 by Patricia McKENNA to the Council. Political killings in Cambodia
Date: 1997-09-01
Institutions: European Parliament, MCKENNA
Subjects: Amnesty International, Cambodia, International Court of Justice, crime against humanity, human rights, political violence, ruling, the EU's international role

3. 4. 98

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 102/31

Amnesty stated that there was a persistent lack of fairness and transparency in the Cambodian judicial system
and (cid:145)efforts to implement reforms have been hampered by tensions within the coalition government(cid:146). For that
reason the Cambodian judicial system would encounter formidable difficulties in ensuring trials for the Khmer
Rouge leaders which meet international standards of fairness.

Because the charges which Khmer Rouge leaders are likely to face include breaches of the Geneva Convention ›
which are crimes of universal jurisdiction › Khmer Rouge leaders may be tried in any state.

What measures does the Council propose to take to ensure that Khmer Rouge leaders facing charges of human
rights abuses can receive fair trials in EU states so that the perpetrators of the abuses that have plagued Cambodia
for decades can be brought to justice?

(98/C 102/45)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2744/97

by Patricia McKenna (V) to the Council

(1 September 1997)

Subject: Political killings in Cambodia

On July 18 1997 Amnesty International released details of how over 30 opponents of Cambodia(cid:146)s Second Prime
Minister Hun Sen were killed and hundreds more arrested following the coup on July 5.

In provisional areas, there have also been reports of FUNCINPEC members being arrested, charged, tried and
convicted of various offences within a matter of days. Human rights groups have expressed fears that the judicial
system is being used for purely political ends to harass and intimidate political activists.

What action has the Council taken and what action does it propose to take on recent human rights abuses in
Cambodia?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-2348/97 and E-2744/97

(17 November 1997)

The European Union has followed with concern the recent developments in Cambodia. In particular, it has
1.
made representations to King Sihanouk and the two joint Prime Ministers, Ung Huot and Hun Sen, in order to
obtain political guarantees for a rapid return to constitutional normality in Cambodia.

The European Union has expressed its concern at allegations of summary justice and disappearances following
the coup of 5 July 1997. The European Union has asked for the maximum amount of light to be shed on these
reports and for respect for human rights to be stored immediately.

Confirmation of the above has been provided by the Cambodian Government.

2.
The part played by the Khmer Rouge has been a determining factor in the recent Cambodian crisis, which
led to Prince Ranarriddh being ousted as joint Prime Minister. In fact, the Khmer Rouge still hold territories in
the north of the country.

The  European  Union  is  in  favour  of  a  negotiated  solution  between  all  parties  which  are  prepared  to  accept
constitutional legality, with a view to national reconciliation.

It is agreed that perpetrators of extortion and crimes against humanity as defined by the Geneva Convention must
be brought to justice as soon as possible.