Mr. Senator,

I received with great pleasure your letter dated April 26, 1999, from which I learnt that the US administration and the UN secretary general interested and welcomed the ideas that come about from our recent discussion on trailing Khmer Rouge leaders at existing national court, but with the participation of foreign judges and prosecutors.

With in the capability of the Royal of Cambodia, a request for a new law will be tabled for the national assembly to adopt to recognize the status and the role of foreign judges and prosecutors in the Cambodia judiciary system.

With due respect to the constitution on the principle of power separation between the three main bodies, the Royal Government of Cambodia will avoid from interfering the independence of the judiciary power. The judiciary body will itself, in accordance to relevant legal norm and principles enacted by the legislative body, determine the derail of the court procedure and functioning of the court.

I strongly believe that, with collective efforts from the national assembly – the Royal Government, and the Cambodian court – and with the support from foreign lawyers, judges, and prosecutors, the trial of Khmer rouge leaders will be fair and in accordance to the international standard.

Please accept, Mr. Senator, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                                                                Hun Sen

                                                                                                            Prime Minister

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