Cambodian general: Pol Pot surrenders
June 18, 1997
Web posted at: 11:13 a.m. EDT (1513 GMT)PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (CNN) -- A Cambodian general said Wednesday that notorious Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, who was behind the deaths of 2 million Cambodians during his "killing fields" regime from 1975 to 1979, has surrendered to his former comrades, according to The Associated Press.
Gen. Nhek Bunchhay, deputy army chief of staff, said the guerrillas planned to hold Pol Pot to be judged by an international tribunal for his role in the genocidal regime.
"If he has turned himself in and is physically apprehended, this is an incredibly important moment -- not only for Cambodia but for Asian history," said Evan Williams of the Australian Broadcasting Corp., who spoke by phone with CNN.
Hear an audio track of the gunfire that erupted in the streets Tuesday night AIFF or WAV(320K / 24 sec. audio)
"Pol Pot would have to be taken to an international tribunal for the deaths of up to 2 million Cambodians in his reign of terror," Williams said.
Pol Pot's surrender was initially reported by Khmer Rouge radio, and senior government officials reacted cautiously.
"We must be careful about this," Cambodian co-Prime Minister Hun Sen told Reuters. "This is not normal. Everything is still a mystery."
Pol Pot has been reported on the run in northern Cambodia for the past several months after most of his troops deserted him. Other reports have said he died last year.
The news comes less than 24 hours after volleys of gunfire and grenades rocked the Cambodian capital. The hours-long shoot-out in Phnom Penh erupted between bodyguards loyal to the two rival co-premiers, Hung Sen and Norodom Ranariddh, threatening the country's stability amid worsening tensions over the fate of Pol Pot. At least two people were killed in the fighting.
Reuters contributed to this report.
- Newsmaker Profile: Pol Pot
Related stories:
- Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge denounces him - June 17, 1997
- Pol Pot reportedly trapped in Cambodian jungle - June 14, 1997
- Pol Pot reportedly on the run after slaughter - June 13, 1997
- 'Killing Fields' victims surface on the Internet - Feb. 1, 1997
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
- Cambodia Phoenix Network
- Cambodian Homepage
- Destination Cambodia
- Cambodia - CARE
- The Cambodian Genocide Program
- Film Review: "The Killing Fields"
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
Sound off on our message boards
Tell us what you think!
You said it...
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.