Source: NY Time
Posted: 18/10/2011

The op-ed “Justice delayed and denied” (Views, Oct. 14) by James A. Goldston mischaracterizes the position of the United Nations in relation to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.

Mr. Goldston states that in response to a judge’s resignation from the E.C.C.C. on grounds of perceived political interference, the secretary general “... simply thanked the judge for his service, announced that he was working to secure a replacement, and restated his strong support for the work of the E.C.C.C. In other words, business as usual.” This is not correct. In a statement made on Oct. 10, the United Nations noted the reasons given by the judge for his resignation, reiterated that the E.C.C.C. must be permitted to proceed with its work without interference from any entity, including the royal government of Cambodia, and indicated that the United Nations would continue to monitor the situation at the E.C.C.C. closely.

In line with that statement, I will travel to Phnom Penh next week to discuss the issue of political interference as a matter of urgency and to gain the best possible understanding of the facts regarding concerns about other aspects of the work of the E.C.C.C. The United Nations is naturally concerned by these matters and will strive to ensure that any action it may take would not undermine its longstanding support for the independence of the judiciary in Cambodia and elsewhere.

Patricia O’Brien, New York

Under secretary general for legal affairs, United Nations