Australia Warns of Potential Consequences for Cambodia if Khmer Rouge Leader is Granted Amnesty

As the investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of three Australian tourists in Cambodia unfolds, the Australian government has warned that granting an amnesty to the Khmer Rouge general responsible could have significant consequences for future military aid to the country. The Australian warning comes amid conflicting reports about the fate of the three men, with officials traveling with Foreign Minister Senator Evans expressing concern that General Nou Paet might be asking for a pardon in return for detailed intelligence about the Khmer Rouge. Senator Evans emphasized that if the worst is true and the hostages were killed by the Khmer Rouge, then Australia and other countries concerned will not accept anything other than the perpetrators being brought to justice.

Key Takeaways:

• The Australian government is pressing the Cambodian authorities to begin a search for the bodies of the three Australian tourists, David Wilson and his two traveling companions, who are believed to have been killed by Khmer Rouge guerrillas.
• General Nou Paet, the Khmer Rouge general responsible for the abduction and suspected murder of the Australian tourists, remained on the run after duping Cambodian authorities into believing he would surrender.
• The Khmer Rouge has provided conflicting information about the fate of the hostages, including a claim that they were killed in an ambush by Government soldiers.
• Senator Evans expressed concern that General Paet might be asking for a pardon in return for detailed intelligence about the Khmer Rouge.
• Australia has warned Cambodia that granting an amnesty to General Paet could have significant consequences for future military aid to the country.
• The Australian government has offered its sympathy to Mr. Wilson's family and has expressed concern about the security situation in Cambodia.

Statistics:

• At least 40 guerrillas, including General Paet, left their mountain stronghold in southern Cambodia after negotiating a brief ceasefire.
• According to military sources, General Paet had told Cambodian negotiators that he would give himself up at a village at 8am in exchange for a ceasefire.
• The killings of the Australian tourists are believed to have occurred on 27 September, according to one credible account.

Sources:

• Senator Evans, in Beijing yesterday.
• Australian Associated Press (AAP).
• Reuters, in Phnom Penh.
• Prime Minister Mr. Keating, in Canberra.
• Opposition Leader Mr. Downer, in Canberra.
• Unnamed military sources.
• Unnamed diplomats.
• Cambodia's Prime Minister, Prince Norodom Ranariddh.