31.   Human rights groups say the Cambodian court system is underfunded, unprofessional and susceptible to political pressure.

32.   Hun Sen said in Bangkok he would prefer any trial to be conducted by an international tribunal than a Cambodian court, fearing a possible destabilizing effect.

33.   Hun Sen, however, insisted on having such cases handled by Cambodian courts, but recently agreed that foreign judges and prosecutors could participate.

34.   Human rights groups in and out of the country believe that Cambodian courts by themselves lack the competence and integrity to deliver real justice.

35.   Hun Sen has insisted that Cambodian courts will handle the proceedings.

36.   Hun Sen said a decision on the charges was up to the Cambodian courts, which do not have a reputation for independence.

37.   Hun Sen said he would prefer any trial to be conducted by an international tribunal than a Cambodian court, fearing a possible destabilizing effect.

38.   Hun Sen indicated Thursday that laws may have to be amended to allow foreign jurists to work in Cambodian courts.

39.   On Wednesday, a Cambodian court convicted Ranariddh in absentia of weapons smuggling in a trial viewed as legal farce but a political necessity.

40.   Only one senior Khmer Rouge, army commander Ta Mok, is in custody awaiting trial by a Cambodian court.