Chronology

The Khmer Rouge Trial Task Force

CHRONOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENTS RELATING TO THE KR TRIAL

1997 21 June	Then Cambodian Co-Prime Ministers requested the United Nations for assistance in organizing the process for Khmer Rouge trial.
12 December	Adoption of a resolution in the General Assembly (A/RES/52/135) Situation of human rights in Cambodia: Paragraph 16: Requests the Secretary-General to examine the request (by the Cambodian authorities for assistance in responding to past serious violations of Cambodian and international law), including the possibility of the appointment, (by the Secretary-General), of a group of experts to evaluate the existing evidence and propose further measures, as a means of bringing about national reconciliation, strengthening democracy and addressing the issue of individual accountability.
1998 15 April	Pol Pot died in a Khmer Rouge Camp in Anlong Veng near the Cambodain-Thai border where he had been detained following his one-day "trial" on 25 July 1997.
7 August	Secretary-General Kofi Annan established the Group of Experts to conduct a feasibility study of this process.
14-23 November	The Group of Experts visited Cambodia.
9 December	Adoption of a resolution in the General Assembly (A/RES/53/145) Situation of human rights in Cambodia: Paragraph 17: Welcomes the appointment by the Secretary-General, in response to the request by the Cambodian authorities for assistance in responding to past serious violations of Cambodian and international law by the Khmer Rouge, of a group of experts to evaluate the existing evidence and propose further measures as a means of bringing about national reconciliation, strengthening democracy and addressing the issue of individual accountability;
25 December	The surrender of Khieu Samphan and Nuon Chea, the two remaining senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge, and the reintegration of their armed forces.
1999 6 March	Khmer Rouge military leader Ta Mok was arrested and charged with violation of the 1994 Law to Outlaw the Democratic Kampuchea Group.
15 March	The Report of the Group of Experts recommending a completely international tribunal was presented to the General Assembly and Security Council.
April	Meeting between Senator John Kerry and Samdech Prime Minister, in which were laid down the principles of a national court with participation by foreign judges.
9 May	Duch, former director of S-21 Tuol Sleng prison was arrested and charged with the 1994 Law to Outlaw the Democratic Kampuchea Group. Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia, His Excellency Thomas Hammarberg reached agreement with Prime Minister Hun Sen on a compromise of "national proceedings with international characteristics." Cambodia requested a team of legal experts from France to help this issue, and France sent to Cambodia a team of high-level legal experts.
July	Prime Minister Hun Sen requested technical assistance from the UN in drafting the Law. Australian government responds to Cambodian appeal for assistance by sending an expert to work with the Cambodian Government in preparing for the trials. In New York the Office of Legal Affairs made its own proposal for the trials and presented it to members of the Security Council.
20 August	The Royal Government created its "Task Force for Cooperation with Foreign Legal Experts and Preparation of the Proceedings for the Trial of Senior Khmer Rouge Leaders", of which Sok An was appointed the chairman. The Task Force commenced its work by drafting the law. This first draft law was produced in August 1999 and presented to a United Nations delegation led by H.E. Ralph Zacklin, deputy of Hans Corell who is in charge of legal affairs of the United Nations and holding the rank of Under Secretary-General. The Cambodian Draft Law received legal and other technical contributions from experts from France, India, Russia and Australia, as well as the United States, in addition to the input from the United Nations. The first UN delegation, sent in August 1999, studied the first draft law and presented its own draft. At that time there was no consensus. One major difference was that Zacklin wanted foreign judges to hold the majority, while Cambodia claimed that Cambodian judges must be in the majority.
20 September	During the United Nations General Assembly Samdech Prime Minister met H.E. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and he submitted a memorandum of three points, offering three options: Firstly: the United Nations can contribute to providing judges and experts to help modify the draft law to achieve what is known as credibility, in conformity with procedures trusted by the international community, and can also provide judges to work with Cambodian judges in the court; Secondly: the Secretary General may choose only to provide legal experts to help establish the draft law, and let Cambodian judges work alone at the trial stage; Thirdly: the United Nations may withdraw from the process, and let Cambodia establish the draft law and organize the trial by itself. At that time, the Secretary-General did not respond directly to the memorandum, but asked for the continuation of negotiations.
17 December	UNGA A/RES/54/171 Paragraph 11: Appeals strongly to the Government of Cambodia to ensure that those most responsible for the most serious violations of human rights are brought to account in accordance with international standards of justice, fairness and due process of law, welcomes the efforts of the Secretariat and actors of the international community in assisting the Government to this end, and encourages the Government to continue to cooperate with the United Nations with a view to reaching an agreement;
24 December	The cabinet meeting for approval of the draft of the law. A copy was also sent to the Office of Legal Affairs, which issued a letter and later a "Non-paper" criticising some aspects of the Law.
2000 6 January	The draft law was discussed for the second time and adopted by the cabinet meeting with some modifications.
14 January	The Royal Government made further modification to the draft law, by allowing for co-investigating judges, as proposed by H.E. Obuchi.
18 January	Updated draft of the law was handed over to His Royal Highness the President of the National Assembly.
February	Letters and discussions were held with the Secretary-General of the UN concerning the Draft Law as submitted to the National Assembly. The Secretary-General sent a letter making four points: - the first asked to give guarantee for arrests and surrender of those indicted, - the second asked for a guarantee of no amnesties or pardons, - the third wanted an independent foreign prosecutor and investigating judge; - the fourth asked for foreign judges in majority, and their appointment to be made by the Secretary-General.
March	A second round of negotiations was held in Phnom Penh, this time led by H.E. Hans Corell himself. While a number of points were resolved, one major issue remained outstanding - how to resolve any differences that might arise between the co-prosecutors.
April	A further meeting was held and letters exchanged between Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Secretary-General in Havana, Cuba, but the outstanding issue was not resolved, so the Prime Minister met again with Senator John Kerry, who then returned for another visit to Phnom Penh. This all led to another compromise concerning what to do in case of differences between the co-prosecutors and co-investigating judges.
May	The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General Kofi Annan exchanged letters confirming the latest compromise reached through John Kerry.
July	Under Secretary-General Hans Corell led a third delegation to Phnom Penh. In these negotiations various problems were settled, including the Pre-trial Chamber to solve any such differences among the Co-prosecutors or the Co-investigating judges. Although not quite 100% agreement was reached, the negotiations provided the basis for the Draft Law later debated in the National Assembly. The UN draft text of an Memorandum of Understanding/Articles of Cooperation was also discussed.
September	The Government Task Force resumed work with the Legislation Committee of the National Assembly.
November	Senator John Kerry made a final visit to seek confirmation of the government's position regarding the Draft Law, urging the government to move ahead soon with the debate in the National Assembly.
28 November	The Legislation Committee and the Task Force concluded their discussions on the Draft Law.
4 December	UNGA A/RES/55/95 Paragraph 18: Welcomes the successful conclusion of the talks between the Government of Cambodia and the United Nations Secretariat on the question of the trial of the Khmer Rouge leaders who are most responsible for the most serious violations of human rights, appeals strongly to the Government to ensure, including by facilitating the expedited completion of the necessary legislative process as soon as possible, that those Khmer Rouge leaders are brought to account in accordance with international standards of justice, fairness and due process of law, encourages the Government to continue to cooperate with the United Nations on this issue, and welcomes the efforts of the Secretariat and the international community in assisting the Government to this end;
29 December	The National Assembly commenced debate on the Draft Law, with Senior Minister Sok An introducing and defending it.
2001 2 January	The National Assembly unanimously passed the Draft Law.
15 January	The Senate approved the Draft Law
12 February	The Constitutional Council concluded its work on the Draft Law, issuing a decision and a reasoned opinion that Article 3 potentially conflicted with the Constitution in referring to articles in the 1956 Penal Code without explicitly rejecting the death penalty. The decision did not specify what course of action was required, but most observers (including the Prime Minister in a comment made on 23 February, and Senior Minister Sok An on 27 February) understood that Article 3 would have to be revised. As the National Assembly was currently in recess, this process of revision was postponed.
22 June	The Council of Ministers approved the revised Article 3, now specifying that the maximum penalty under articles from the 1956 Penal Code shall be limited to a maximum of life imprisonment, in accordance with Article 32 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
11 July	The National Assembly passed the Draft Law including the revised Article 3.
23 July	The Senate approved the revised Draft Law.
7 August	The Constitutional Council approved the revised Draft Law.
10 August	His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk signed the Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea and it was promulgated.
18 August	Senior Minister Sok An sent the Khmer official version of the Law to His Excellency Hans Corell.
31 August	Senior Minister Sok An sent English and French translations of the Law made by the Council of Jurists to His Excellency Hans Corell.
2 October	Senior Minister Sok An invited His Excellency Hans Corell to come to Cambodia to finalise the Articles of Cooperation.
10 October	His Excellency Hans Corell sent a letter to Senior Minister Sok An outlining 11 points of concern related to the Law and insisting that future Agreement between the UN and Cambodia should have precedence over the Law.
23 November	Senior Minister Sok An replied to His Excellency Hans Corell concerning the relationship between the Law and the Articles of Cooperation to be signed between the UN and Cambodia.
17 December	His Excellency Hans Corell sent a letter to Senior Minister Sok An asking for a response to the 11 points of concern related to the Law outlined in his 10 October letter.
19 December	UNGA A/RES/56/169 Section IV: Khmer Rouge tribunal Paragraph 2: Welcomes the promulgation of the Law on the Establishment of Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea, noting with appreciation the general provisions and competence of the Law and its provision for a role for the United Nations, appeals to the Government of Cambodia to ensure that the senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom and international conventions recognized by Cambodia are brought to trial in accordance with international standards of justice, fairness and due process of law, encourages the Government to continue to cooperate with the United Nations on this issue, welcomes the efforts of the Secretariat and the international community in assisting the Government to this end, urges the Government and the United Nations to conclude an agreement without delay so that the Extraordinary Chambers can start to function promptly, and appeals to the international community to provide assistance in this regard, including financial and personnel support to the Chambers;
2002 22 January	Senior Minister Sok An replied to His Excellency Hans Corell concerning the 11 points in Corell's 10 October letter.
8 February	His Excellency Hans Corell announced that the UN was withdrawing from negotiations with Cambodia regarding the Khmer Rouge trials.
12 February	Senior Minister Sok An issued a Statement on the UN announcement, and released three background documents: the English text of the Law, and his letters to His Excellency Hans Corell of 23 Nov 2001 and 22 Jan 2002.
26 April	UN Commission on Human Rights E/CN.4/2002/89 Paragraph 18: Appeals to the Government of Cambodia to ensure that the senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian law and custom, and international conventions recognized by Cambodia are brought to trial in accordance with international standards of justice, fairness and due process of law, in this connection recognizes the need for the Government of Cambodia and the United Nations to cooperate, appeals to the parties to resume discussions on the establishment of a tribunal for such a purpose and also appeals to the international community to provide assistance in this regard;
June - July	Facilitation by Japan towards resuming the negotiations between Cambodia and the United Nations
12 July	Letter from Kofi Annan to Hun Sen stating that 8 February decision to end negotiations was "based on the fact that the good offices I had offered did not come to fruition" and stating that"... in order for me to engage in any further negotiations, I need a clear mandate from the General Assembly or the Security Council. If such a mandate were given, I would be prepared to engage in further talks with the Government of Cambodia in order to fulfill the mandate".
29-30 July	Joint Communique of the 35th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting at Bandar Seri Begawan, paragraph 45 stated that: "We support the continued efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia to bring the senior leaders of Democratic Kampuchea and those who were most responsible for the crimes and serious violations of Cambodian penal law, international humanitarian and custom, and international conventions recognised by the Kingdom of Cambodia to try in accordance with international standards of justice fairness and due process of law. We recognised, in this connection, the need of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the United Nations to cooperate together and appeal to the international community, to provide assistance in this regard."
18 August	Letter from Hun Sen to Kofi Annan stating "we look forward to the swift conclusion of such preliminaries as you deem necessary for the United Nations to return to the table so that we may conclude our negotiations with an agreement that satisfies both parties, and then move on to the actual establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers".
20 August	Letter from Kofi Annan to Hun Sen, reported publicly in Noon Daily Briefing by UN Spokesman Fred Eckhard: The Secretary-General needs a clear mandate from either the General Assembly or the Security Council. It is the Secretary-General's view that it is now for Cambodia and interested Member States to pursue this matter in the General Assembly or the Security Council with a view to obtaining the appropriate mandate. If such a mandate were given, the Secretary-General would be prepared to engage in further talks with the Government in order to fulfil the mandate. As a sovereign State, Cambodia has the responsibility for the trial while the international community, through the United Nations or otherwise, can help, provided that the Government demonstrates its preparedness to ensure the observance of international standards of justice. Asked about the Secretary-General's request for a mandate, the Spokesman said that his position has not changed, and he has made clear what he feels would be necessary for international standards of justice to be met. In the past, he said, the United Nations had negotiated for years with the Cambodian Government, which had not met the Secretary-General's parameters for UN involvement in such trials. Now, Eckhard said, the Secretary-General is looking for support from Member States, in the form of clear guidelines for what is acceptable for such trials to earn UN support.
27 August	Meeting in New York, called by Japan and held at the Japanese Mission, attended by interested states, as follows: France, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States, EU, South Korea, Japan, Asean (Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia). It was a preliminary meeting to exchange views as to what the international community can do to revive the negotiations.
26 September	Second meeting of what is now called the Group of Interested States (27 countries) discusses options. Cambodian Permanent Representative spoke on Cambodian position. GIS decides to go ahead with special (ad hoc) resolution in Third Committee.
13 November	Japan and France sponsor and deposit a draft resolution (A/C.3/57/L.70) to give the Secretary-General his required mandate.
20 November	Draft resolution A/C.3/57/L.70 debated in the Third Committee. The resolution was then debated and adopted by a recorded vote of 123 in favour to 0 against, with 37 abstentions.
18 December	The General Assembly plenary meeting adopted Resolution 57/228 - 150 in favour, 0 against, with 30 abstentions (a margin of seven votes higher than when it was passed in the Third Committee).
19 December	Kofi Annan invites Hun Sen to send representatives "to an exploratory meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York in order to prepare for the resumptions of negotiations".
2003 6�14 January	Meetings in New York between Cambodian and UN delegations, led by their Excellencies Sok An and Hans Corell.
14 January	Meeting between their Excellencies Sok An and Kofi Annan.
13-16 March	Fifth round of talks (in Phnom Penh) between the Royal Government of Cambodia's Task Force led by H.E. Sok An and the UN delegation, led by H.E. Hans Corell.
17 March	Draft Agreement initialled by Their Excellencies Hans Corell and Sok An.
28 March	Council of Ministers of the Royal Government of Cambodia approves the Draft Agreement.
31 March	Secretary-General issues a Report to the General Assembly (A/57/769), making some criticisms of the Draft Agreement. He estimates that the Extraordinary Chambers will cost over $19 million and proposes United Nations funding via assessed (not voluntary) contributions.
2 May	Third Committee adopts resolution approving the Draft Agreement and stating that the United Nations should fund the Extraordinary Chambers by voluntary contributions.
13 May	The 85th Plenary Session of the 57th General Assembly adopts Resolution 57/228B approving the Draft Agreement and voluntary contributions.
4 June	Sweden offers funding to the Secretariat of the Task Force.
6 June	Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia Concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea signed by Their Excellencies Hans Corell and Sok An at Chaktomuk Theatre in Phnom Penh.
17 June	RGC submits to National Assembly the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia Concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea.
19 June	Australia pledges AUD1.5 million for the Extraordinary Chambers in addition to AUD266,000 already provided in various forms of technical assistance related to the Khmer Rouge trials.
8 July	United Kingdom offers funding to the Secretariat of the Task Force.
1 October	Mr Karsten Herrel is appointed Coordinator for United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT).
8-13 December	United Nations Technical Assessment Mission, led by Mr Herrel, has a working visit to Phnom Penh. They meet with the Cambodian Task Force and relevant ministries, organizations and individuals. The mission is to gather information about costs and other practicalities relating to the implementation of the Agreement.
12 December	Joint press statement by the RGC Task Force and the UN Technical Assessment Mission expresses the opinion that "substantive steps forward were made during the visit, both in establishing a sound working relationship and in charting the tasks to be carried out in the coming months".
2004 23 February	First meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT discussing the estimated budget for the Extraordinary Chambers (in New York).
27 February	His Excellency Hans Corell, Legal Counsel and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, retires. Senior Minister Sok An sends a letter to him on 27 February 2004 expressing his appreciation and best wishes.
10-18 March	Follow-up mission of the United Nations technical team on assistance to the Khmer Rouge trials. UNAKRT technical team led by Mr. Kastern Herrel. The meeting discusses the budget, premises, judicial training, staffing and security.
18 March	Briefing meeting at the Office of the Council of Ministers with the Group of the Interested States, UNAKRT, and Royal Government's Task Force on the issues of premises, utilities (facilities and services for operation of premises), judicial familiarization programme and budget estimates and resource mobilization.
18 March	Joint Press briefing between UNAKRT and Royal Government Cambodian Task Force on the follow-up mission of the United Nations technical team on Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials.
26 March	Second meeting between the Group of Interested States with UNAKRT (in New York).
31 March	Third meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York).
15 April	Fourth meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York).
6 May	Fifth meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York).
10 June	Sixth meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York). Mr. Karsten Herrel introduces the Secretariat's response to Interested States' call for reductions in the initial budget estimates. The Secretariat had reviewed all objects of expenditure and come up with cuts in some areas. Care had been taken not to unduly weaken the four cornerstones of the project which were: Due Process, International Standards for Court Operations, Security and Safety and Efficiency and Effectiveness.
30 June	Seventh meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York) which processes further meetings to be held in Phnom Penh to finalise the budget.
20 July	Australia pledges another AUD1.5 million for the Extraordinary Chambers in addition to AUD1.5 million previously announced. The total of AUD3 million (USD 2.2 million) is additional to AUD266,000 already provided in various forms of technical assistance related to the Khmer Rouge trials.
6 August	Council of Ministers approves two draft laws: a) Amendments to the 2001 Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers; b) Ratification of the Agreement between the RGC and the UN signed on 6 June 2003. The amendments approved are for the purpose of harmonising the EC Law with the Agreement, and that they reflect those proposed by Hans Corell on 28 May 2003. In addition, the extension of the statute of limitations under Article 3 is proposed to be changed from 20 to 30 years.
11 August	Meeting between the Group of Interested States and the Royal Government's Task Force (in Phnom Penh) regarding the proposed budget proposal for the Extraordinary Chambers.
23 August - 3 September	First Training Course for 30 judges and prosecutors held at the Royal School of Judges and Prosecutors in cooperation with Secretariat of the Task Force for Khmer Rouge Trials, the Royal School of Judges and Prosecutors, and UNDP.
30 August - 10 September	First Training Course for 30 lawyers held at the Senate in cooperation with Secretariat of the Task Force for Khmer Rouge Trials, the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and UNDP.
13 September	Follow up meeting between the Group of Interested States and the Royal Government's Task Force (in Phnom Penh) regarding the proposed budget proposal for the Extraordinary Chambers.
27 September	H.E. Karsten Herrel, Coordinator of United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT) completes his term in the position and hands responsibility to Ms. Sharon Van Buerle, Chief, Political, Legal and Humanitarian Service, Programme Planning and Budget Division.
4 October	National Assembly of Cambodia debates and unanimously approves the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia Concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea.
4 October	Letter from Prime Minister Hun Sen to Mr. Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary-General, on the adoption by the National Assembly of Cambodia of the draft law approving the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the prosecution under the Cambodian law of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea.
5 October	National Assembly of Cambodia debates and approves the Amendments to the 2001 Law on the Establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the Prosecution of Crimes Committed during the Period of Democratic Kampuchea.
19 October	Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the prosecution under the Cambodian law of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea was ratified and the Instrument of Ratification were sent to the United Nations.
22 October	The Constitutional Council approved the amended law as being in conformity with the Constitution.
27 October	Promulgation of amendments to the law concerning the prosecution under the Cambodian law of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea.
16 November	Letter from Deputy Prime Minister Sok An to Under-Secretary-General and Legal Counsel of the United Nations, Mr Nicolas Michel, advising him that, in accordance with Article 32 of the Agreement, the legal requirements in Cambodia for entry into force of have been complied with.
8-13 December	United Nations Mission led by Mr. Mohammed Said, Coordinator for UN Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Tribunal (UNAKRT) , to Phnom Penh finalize the budget for the EC. The budget is set at USD 56.3 million.
2005 10 January	France announces of funding in amount of 3 Million Euros (or $4,000,000.00) for the Extraordinary Chambers.
27 January	The United Kingdom announces of funding in amount of �500,000.00 (or USD900,000.00) for the Extraordinary Chambers.
27 January	H.E. Sok An makes statement "NEVER AGAIN ! " on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz and the other Nazi Extermination Camps.
10 February	Japan announces its contribution of USD 21.6 million for the Extraordinary Chambers.
21 March	Eighth meeting between the Group of Interested States and UNAKRT (in New York). Japanese Mission urges support from GIS for the Cambodian share which needs USD13.3 million.
25 March	Follow up meeting between the Group of Interested States, ASEAN countries and the Royal Government's Task Force in Phnom Penh regarding the budget for the Extraordinary Chambers.
25 March	Canada announces its contribution of CAN$ 2 million (USD1,612,903) for the Extraordinary Chambers.
28 March	Pledging conference for the Extraordinary Chambers for the Khmer Rouge Trials at the United Nations Secretariat in New York. The Cambodian delegation consisted of H.E. Sean Visoth, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Royal Government's Task Force, H.E. Kranh Tony (Legal Secretary), H.E. Dr. Helen Jarvis (Advisor). Thirteen countries pledge contributions to the Extraordinary Chambers in grand total of USD38,477,033, namely: Japan (USD21.6m), France (USD4.8m), Australia (USD2,351,097), Canada (USD1,612,903), Germany (USD1m), Holland (USD1,981,506), Denmark (USD531,914), Luxembourg (USD66,050), Austria (USD360,000), Sweden (USD150,000), United Kingdom (USD2,873,563), Norway (USD1m), and Republic of Korea (USD150,000).
29 March	Belgium announces its funds of USD198,151 for the Extraordinary Chambers, bringing the total pledged to USD38,675,184.
29 March	European Union announces its contribution of 1 million Euro (USD1.3 million) for the Extraordinary Chambers.
25 April - 6 May	Second Training Course for 30 judges and prosecutors held at the Royal School of Judges and Prosecutors in cooperation with Secretariat of the Task Force for Khmer Rouge Trials, the Royal School of Judges and Prosecutors, and UNDP.
28 April	Letter from Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations to Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister, informing that in accordance with Article 32 of the Agreement, he hereby notifies that the legal requirements on the United Nations' side for entry into force of the Agreement have been complied with.
29 April	Entry into force of the Agreement between the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia concerning the Prosecution under Cambodian Law of Crimes Committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea.
3 May	Letter from Samdech Hun Sen, Prime Minister, to Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, stating: "A generation has passed since these crimes were committed. We cannot afford to lose any more time. I can assure you that we will do our utmost to ensure the Extraordinary Chambers may begin to function as soon as possible, and that they attain the level of international standards that we have both agreed on and that are needed to address the needs for justice of the Cambodian people and all humanity".
30 May	Follow up meeting between the Group of Interested States, ASEAN countries and the Royal Government's Task Force in Phnom Penh discussing the budget for the Cambodian share and the Cambodian appeal for bilateral assistance. Singapore, India and Thailand announce that they intend to assist in kind.
2 June	Diplomatic corps and representatives from 13 embassies in Phnom Penh join a visit to the proposed Extraordinary Chambers site at Kambol.
15 June	Germany announces funds of EURO 1.5 million (or USD1,981,506) for the Extraordinary Chambers for 2nd and 3rd Year as additional funds to its previous pledge funds of USD1 million on 28 Mar 2005, bringing the German total pledge to USD2,981,506 million.
20 June - 1 July	Second Training Course for 38 lawyers held at Imperial Garden Hotel in cooperation with Secretariat of the Task Force for Khmer Rouge Trials, the Bar Association of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and UNDP. New Zealand announces its contribution of USD500,000 for the Extraor-dinary Chambers.
30 June	Letter from Nicolas Michel, Under-Secretary-General of Legal Affairs, the Legal Counsel to H.E. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, informing Cambodian government that the United Nations sends a letter on 30 June 2005 to all Member States and Non-Member States requesting suggestions of names for international judges and prosecutors for the Extraordinary Chambers. The United Nations asks Member States to propose names to the United Nations before the 29 of August 2005 for nomination by the Secretary General for international judges, co-prosecutor, co-investigation judge, and judges of the Pre-Trial Chamber. The letter provided criteria for selection of international candidates.
18 July	Letter from Warren Sach, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, to H.E. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, informing that the United Nations and the Group of Interested States have led to the conclusion that it is now possible to concur with the selection of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces High Command Headquarters as the premises for the co-investigating judges, the Prosecutors' Office, The Extraordinary Chambers, the Pre-Trial Chamber and the Office of Administration. The United Nations proposes to the Royal Government of Cambodia to confirm the agreement with 3 points regarding premises: (i) theses premises are totally enclosed and fenced off from the active military facility, (ii) separate and direct access is provided to the premises for the Extraordinary Chambers and their related institutions, and (iii) adequate arrangements are made by the Cambodian Government for public transportation between the centre of Phnom Penh and the site in order to ensure the widest attendance at the trials.
9 August	Letter from H.E. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, to Warren Sach, Assistant Secretary-General, Controller, confirming the above three points requested by the United Nations side. He advised that Cambodian side will be in position to commence this work when the funds required for the Cambodian column of the budget are completed
25 August	The United Nations announces publicly that Ms. Michelle Lee of China will coordinate UN assistance for Khmer Rouge Trials. This will be effective from 1 September 2005 and she will serve as the international deputy director of the Office of Administration.
7 October	India announces contribution of USD1 million for the Extraordinary Chambers for Cambodian share. India is the first country to support the Cambodian share of the budget.
12 November	His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree appointing His Excellency Sean Visoth as Director of the Office of Administration of the Extraordinary Chambers and His Excellency Tony Kranh as Reserve Director.
12 November	His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree assigning Ms Michelle Lee to the position of Deputy Director, to which she was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations on 14 October.
1 December	Total contributions to the United Nations side of the Extraordinary Chambers budget increase, with recent pledges by Armenia ($1,000), Namibia ($500) and Ireland ($300,000).
6-16 December	Ms Michelle Lee headed a seven-member UN Startup Assessment Mission to Cambodia to meet and work with a Cambodian delegation headed by Sean Visoth. The purpose of the Mission is to advance preparations towards the establishment of the Extraordinary Chambers over the coming months.
10 December	Human Rights Day. Australian Government announces a grant of AUD48,306 to the Secretariat of the Task Force to launch Regional Outreach Forums in provincial capitals throughout the country. This grant was awarded as part of the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme 2005-06, and is additional to a grant of USD19,960 awarded in October under the Australian Embassy's Human Rights and Governance Fund for reprinting and distribution to each school classroom in Cambodia of the Secretariat's highly regarded information booklet An introduction to the Khmer Rouge Trials, published in 2004 with assistance from AusAID.
28 December	European Union announces funds of almost Euro 995,100 (approximately $1,2 million) to help cover the Cambodian share of the Khmer Rouge trials budget, to be spent on the salaries of the Cambodian judges prosecutors and legal support staff serving at the Trial and Appeals Chambers of the Extraordinary Chambers.
2006 10 January	Thailand announces funds of $24,330.90 as a contribution to the Cambodian side of the Extraordinary Chambers budget for furnishings and decorations of the premises.
10 January	Official handover ceremony of parts of the High Command Headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to the Task Force for use as premises for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.
16 January	Handover of premises for the ECCC to the Royal Government Task Force from the High Command of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
3 February	Appointment of senior Cambodian staff for the ECCC.
5 February	Blessing of the office building for the ECCC.
6 February	Sean Visoth and Michelle Lee (Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Administration) lead the joint start up team to take up duties at the new ECCC premises on National Road 4, Kantok Commune, Ang Snuol District.
9 February	Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Administration hold the first press conference at the ECCC.
26 February	First monthly visit of villagers from throughout the country to the ECCC, organised by the Documentation Center of Cambodia.
6 March	Secretary-General sends list of his nominees for positions as international judges, Co-Prosecutor and Co-Investigating Judge.
14 March	Signing ceremony of Supplementary Agreements on Security and Safety and Utilities, Facilities and Services between Royal Government of Cambodia and the United Nations, held in the ECCC Court Room presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Sok An.
31 March	Blessing ceremony for the Court Room and beginning of construction of spirit house for the spirit known as the "Lord of the Iron Staff.
18-25 April	Chief of Public Affairs participates in conference in Berlin organised by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung on the topic "Dealing with a burdened past"
4 May	Supreme Council of the Magistracy selects 17 Cambodian and 12 international judicial officers for the ECCC. International judicial officers come from ten different countries (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sri Lanka and the United States. (See � for list of names).
4 May	Press Officer attended a meeting with the Director of Administration during a meeting with the Director of German Development Program (DED) Mr. David Mouler to discuss what kinds of assistance the DED can help ECCC and NGOs dealing with the KRT issues.
4 May	Public Affair and Press Officer met 15 women from the Cambodian Defenders Project at the ECCC.
6 May	His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni appoints the selected judicial officers by Preah Reach Kret (Royal Decree).
10 May	Briefing for the diplomatic corps by His Excellency Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister, on the appointments of judicial officers, followed by a joint press conference by H.E. Sean Visoth and Ms Michelle Lee.
12 May	Inauguration by HE Sean Visoth and Ms Michelle Lee of spirit house for the spirit known as the "Lord of the Iron Staff", created by Professor Srieng Y.
19 May	Public Affairs Section representatives participate in a public forum on the Khmer Rouge Trials, organised by the Centre for Social Development and attended by several hundred people from the southern provinces of Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville.
22 May	Press Officer attended NGO Working Groups organized by OSJI at the Goldiana Hotel.
23 May	Public Affairs Section welcome a group of 480 villagers at the ECCC's Courtroom which was then followed by speeches from the Director and Deputy Director of Administration.
28-29 May	Delegation of ten from ECCC (five judicial officers and five senior officials in the Office of Administration) attend the conference "East Timor : Lessons Learned" in Bangkok, organised by the "University of California Berkeley War Crimes" Unit and the East-West Centre.
30 May	Press Officer gave a live interview on FM Radio 102 about the latest development of the ECCC.
30 May	Public Affairs Section welcome a group of delegation from East Western Centre and Berkeley War Crime Studies Centre and legal experts from East Timor and Sierra Leone during their visit to the ECCC Office of Administration.
31 May	Public Affairs Section representatives attend a follow-up meeting with NGOs in Phnom Penh sharing experience from East Timor and Sierra Leone on the role of NGOs and their relationship with the hybrid courts.