Cambodia offers compromise

Cambodia offers compromise

CAMBODIA: Cambodia said on Tuesday it was willing to compromise to end a row with the United Nations that has scuppered plans for a joint tribunal to put leaders of the Khmer Rouge "killing fields" regime on trial for genocide.

The United Nations pulled out of plans for a joint Khmer Rouge trial with Cambodia in February, ending five years of talks, saying a law drawn up by Phnom Penh to enable the trials was flawed and would not guarantee impartial hearings.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who until now has refused to change the law to placate the UN, told reporters on Tuesday that his government would make amendments if necessary.

"For a compromise to try the genocidal leaders, if we have to amend the law we will do it," Hun Sen said.

Hun Sen has said that if the UN does not come to an agreement with Cambodia, he will seek instead to set up a joint tribunal with the help of friendly countries.--Reuters