UNITED NATIONS, April 29 - The United Nations announced Friday that legal requirements had been met for trials of surviving Khmer Rouge leaders, nearly three decades after Cambodia's genocide began.
An estimated 1.7 million Cambodians -- around a third of the country's population -- died of starvation, forced labor, disease or execution by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979. But no Khmer Rouge leader has faced justice for the atrocities.
The United Nations said in a statement that enough money had been raised to finance the tribunals, which will have international judges and prosecutors working alongside their Cambodian colleagues.
Nations at a pledging conference promised about $38 million for the court action. Japan said it would contribute $21 million. Cambodia will pay about $13 million for the court, estimated to cost $56.3 million over three years.Continue reading the main story