Deputy Director of ECCC/Coordinator UNAKRT
Ms. Michelle Lee
On the Occasion of the Signing Ceremony
of the ECCC Supplementary Agreements
Tuesday 14 March 2006
ECCC, Cambodia
***
Your Excellency Sok An, Deputy Prime
Minister, Minister in Charge of the Office of the Council of
Ministers and Chairman of the Royal Government Task Force for
Khmer Rouge Trials;
Honourable Guests from the Diplomatic
Community;
Representatives of the Non-Governmental
Organizations;
Members of the Press;
Friends of the ECCC;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today represents a landmark event in the
short history of the ECCC. In a moment we will witness the
signing of the final part of the agreement between the Royal
Government of Cambodia and the United Nations; setting the stage
for our work in the months and years to come.
Today also marks another landmark event.
Until only a few days ago, the seats in this venue were still
covered in plastic, there was no electricity and only an empty
stage to see. You are the very first official audience to sit in
the gallery of this court.
Soon this building will be transformed.
Judges will hear cases on this very stage; behind you
translators will be working in Khmer, English and French; a
media centre will record and broadcast the proceedings of the
court to the world; And from the chairs in which you are now
seated- the people of Cambodia will finally witness the judicial
process for which they have long waited.
Today’s event is the result of the support,
hard work and dedication of many people. In particular, I would
like to recognize H.E. Sean Visoth and his entire team for their
professionalism during this difficult phase. It is never easy
starting up a new office, but we have been fortunate in having
assembled an excellent team, and I am confident that we will
continue to enjoy a productive working relationship.
Finally, I would also like to take this
opportunity to thank all of you. The strong participation of the
international community, NGOs and the press in today’s event is
a visible example of the importance you have placed on the
success of our work.
The coming months will be challenging for all
of us here at the ECCC. We have made progress, but there is
still much work left to be done.
I know that with all of your support behind
us, the ECCC has the potential to be a model of international
cooperation to achieve justice.
Thank you.
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