ECCC's Letter and Sihanouk's Reply (Published by KI Media)

Unofficial translation from French by Luc Sâr


Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia


Phnom Penh, 06 September 2007

Samdech Chauvea Veang Kong Sam Ol
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of the Royal Palace

Samdech,


Through a communiqué broadcasted on 30 August 2007, His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia had invited Mr. Peter Forster, spokesman of the UN Assistance for the Khmer Rouge Tribunal (UNAKRT), to talk publicly with him on 08 September on the following question: “The Khmer Rouge and Norodom Sihanouk affair.” Regarding this issue, I have the honor of informing you the following.

From now on, it is necessary to lift up all eventual misunderstanding which could have been caused by Mr. Foster’s statement which was reported in the Cambodian Daily newspaper last 29 August. I can assure you that Mr. Foster did not have the intention of attacking the honor of His Majesty King-Father.

Nevertheless, I regret to inform you the fact that Mr. Foster, as spokesman of the UNAKRT, is not empowered to exercise jurisdictional duties, and that, consequently, he is not authorized to accept the invitation of His Majesty King-Father. In fact, only the ECCC judges have the competency to determine who must be heard as witness, and in doing so, they are obligated to respect the applicable procedure rules.

I leave it to your liking the care to determine the most appropriate manner to bring the (content of the) present letter to the attention of His Majesty King-Father.

While regretting that Mr. Foster’s statement and the way it was perceived could have been the cause of a misunderstanding, please, Your Excellency, accept the assurance of very highest regards.

Michelle Lee
Deputy Director of the administration office of the ECCC


King-Father’s handwritten notes to the underscored text above:


In a very recent handwritten text for the general public, I already said everything as a “witness”. I have nothing to add to this.

Consequently, I will have nothing more to say to these judges.

(Signed) N. Sihanouk
Phnom Penh, Thursday 06 September 2007

Note: Regarding “my oath,” I already took it, yesterday, a Buddhist holy day, in the Royal Chapel (Royal Palace), in front of 5 superior Buddhist monks, and (in front of) statues and statuettes of Buddha.

(Signed) N. Sihanouk