‘Be Careful’ of War, Hun Sen Warns Tribunal

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
03 December 2009

Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday the UN-backed Khmer Rouge tribunal would not be able to indict more suspects than it already has, repeating his warnings that further indictments could lead to instability and, potentially, war.

“I prefer the failure of the tribunal than to let the country fall into war,” he said, reiterating concerns that further indictments could lead to instability. “You must consider this. If there is no peace, but it turns to war, how many people will die? It will not be the court eradicating the war. But be careful of the court making war.”

His public comments follow the September decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber of the court to allow further indictments and as investigating judges pursue the potential of more charges.