The draft law to prosecute former leaders of the Khmer Rouge has reached the final

hurdle of the National Assembly, but Cambodia's lawmakers must clear other legislation

before it can be discussed.

Despite speculation that members of the National Assembly could begin debating the

draft law this week, it now looks unlikely that progress will be made before the

end of the year.

According to Monh Saphan, Chairman of the National Assembly's Legislative Commission,

the draft law will not be dealt with in the National Assembly till members have finished

debating the 2001 budget.

Sophan and the Minister of the Council of Ministers, Sok An, announced their approval

of the trial plan at the conclusion of discussions held last Friday