March 18, 1999
Web posted at: 1:23 a.m. EST (0623 GMT)

Under the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975-79, Cambodian cities were emptied of alleged Western sympathizers, students, teachers and professionals, and even hospital patients, all of whom were thought to be an impediment to a "clean social system" ordained by the Communist Party.

Those who would or could not work in crude farming collectives were killed, often along with their families. Others were executed at whim.

Families were wiped out and Cambodia most people with any semblance of education were either killed or fled the country.

The Khmer Rouge came to power after the United States bombed the country during the Vietnam War and then helped overthrow Prince Norodom Sihanouk's government. Washington then withdrew support from Cambodia's new rulers, opening the way for the Khmer Rouge.

But animosities erupted again between Vietnam and Cambodia. Hanoi invaded the eastern part of Cambodia in 1977 and toppled the Khmer Rouge in January 1979, putting into power Hun Sen, the current prime minister and a Khmer Rouge defector.

Reuters contributed to this report.