The Associated Press
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia
The U.S. ambassador to Cambodia shook hands with the former Khmer Rouge chief photographer Thursday, and praised him for apologizing for his role in the regime that caused nearly 2 million deaths in the 1970s.
Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli said at a news conference at the embassy that Nhem En has "set a good example for apologizing for his part in those atrocities."
"Contrast what he has done with the fact that no Khmer Rouge leader has ever stepped forward to admit guilt or accept blame for the regime's brutal crimes," said Mussomeli, who posed for pictures beside the American flag with Nhem En.
Nhem En photographed thousands of prisoners at the infamous Khmer Rouge S-21 prison, before they were locked up, tortured and executed.
He asked for forgiveness and offered his apology Thursday, two days after coming forward and saying he plans to set up a museum with pictures of the notorious regime's leaders.
"During that era, I was merely a cog in the (Khmer Rouge) machine," he said.
Historians estimate that more than 1.7 million Cambodians died of execution, starvation, overwork and inadequate medical care due to the extremist policies of the Khmer Rouge during the group's 1975-79 rule.
Haunting photos of the victims are the centerpiece of the former prison site, also known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.
The U.S. ambassador to Cambodia shook hands with the former Khmer Rouge chief photographer Thursday, and praised him for apologizing for his role in the regime that caused nearly 2 million deaths in the 1970s.
Ambassador Joseph Mussomeli said at a news conference at the embassy that Nhem En has "set a good example for apologizing for his part in those atrocities."
"Contrast what he has done with the fact that no Khmer Rouge leader has ever stepped forward to admit guilt or accept blame for the regime's brutal crimes," said Mussomeli, who posed for pictures beside the American flag with Nhem En.
Nhem En photographed thousands of prisoners at the infamous Khmer Rouge S-21 prison, before they were locked up, tortured and executed.
He asked for forgiveness and offered his apology Thursday, two days after coming forward and saying he plans to set up a museum with pictures of the notorious regime's leaders.
"During that era, I was merely a cog in the (Khmer Rouge) machine," he said.
Historians estimate that more than 1.7 million Cambodians died of execution, starvation, overwork and inadequate medical care due to the extremist policies of the Khmer Rouge during the group's 1975-79 rule.
Haunting photos of the victims are the centerpiece of the former prison site, also known as Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh.
7 comments:
I am sure that KR will come forth
to appologize and admit their
guilt, once the SISOWATT
Sarimatakis will come forth to
appologize and admit their guilt
for backstabing is own family just
to satisfy their greed and
selfishness.
BLIND OBEDIENCE HAPPENS.
Whatever his name is, was a teenager during that time and it's understandable that he was forced to do thing blindly.
If you make mistake, do apologize or move on and don't let it happens again.
Mr. Embassador was right to recognize his sence of guilt and ....longing to be a better person. It took a lot for a person to admit mistake.
We see that a young person can and willing to do it, but what about those old people and ready to leave to earth? It probably won't happen.
Please read as :
We see that a young person can and willing to apologize, but what about those that are old and ready to leave The Earth?
Will it happen? and if it deos happen, are we willing to accept their apologies ? and be o.k with it just like Mr.Embassador did?
Ordinary Khmers
two things, sayig i'm sorry to your mistake is always the best solution to any problem or mistake, and he was just a teen-ager at the time, but that's how the KR recruited. but at the same time, i think he's just trying to get publicity for his photpgraph. Overall, at least he admited, now he can die in peace. For the rest of the former and current CPP Khmer rouge, your mortal life maybe luxuary, but your soul will burn in hell.
Well for your information, without
the CPP, there wont be anyone to
appologize for anything.
But I am still waiting for an
appology from the SISOWATT
Sarimatakis, the backstabers,
racists, and troublemakers.
Do you really think that that is
better than the KR atrocity?
No way, to condone the backstabers
is to exterminate the Khmer race.
It the fucking trick the CPP and Vietname and Khmere rouge are playing to kill our race and culture.
If CPP is that good give real law to the country,limit the term of the preminister.etc...
Well, what specific law are you
looking for?
And no, there will be no term
limit for PM. Tell that to the UK,
and when they go with your idea,
let us know, and we'll considered
it, fair?
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