In lieu of holding a press conference, a high-level UN delegation visiting Phnom Penh issued the following joint statement with the Cambodian Government today:

A high level delegation led by Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs Peter Taksoe-Jensen met with Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Government Task Force on the Khmer Rouge Trials, H.E. Sok An yesterday. The meeting provided an opportunity for constructive discussion on a number of issues of common interest with regard to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. The parties welcomed the significant achievements made by the ECCC, including progress towards the imminent start of the first trial.

Both sides recognized the ECCC's potential to address impunity for the crimes of the former Khmer Rouge regime. They also expressed the hope that the ECCC will become a model for future judicial systems.

In this context, the parties agreed on the need to strengthen the ECCC's human resources management, including anti-corruption measures. The parties noted the procedures and mechanisms so far put in place by the national side of the ECCC. Further, they agreed to set up joint sessions between the national and international related structures to ensure that the entire administration operates in a transparent, fair and efficient manner. The parties agreed that these measures will meet the requirements of due process of law, including full protection against retaliation.

The parties agreed on the need to act expeditiously, and expect the results of the joint sessions to be reported to the Government Task Force and the Steering Committee by the end of January 2009.

It's unclear to me exactly what these joint sessions would entail, but I will try to get more information as soon as possible.è½