U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte announced today that America will donate just under $2-million to the ECCC, the country's first direct funding of the court.

The money will go to the U.N. side of the court. U.S. Embassy spokesman John Johnson said Tuesday he did not think the money was earmarked for any specific purposes, but that a fact sheet will be issued Wednesday with more detailed information.

Despite an ongoing review of corruption allegations involving the tribunal, Johnson said the U.S. funds should be available to the court as soon as Congress signs off on them.

Negroponte's announcement came after a three-day trip to Cambodia, during which he visited Tuol Sleng.

As I've mentioned before, as a U.S. citizen I support American funding of the tribunal. Not only does this recent gesture help the U.S. live up to its responsibilities in Cambodia, but it also lends legitimacy to the ECCC.

* Pictured: John Negroponte. Image courtesy of TimeInc.net.