The Japanese government has announced a new contribution of $960,000 to the international component of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) to support the continuation of the Khmer Rouge tribunal.

A press release issued by the ECCC and obtained by The Post on Tuesday, said Japan had contributed the money to encourage the ECCC to continue its proceedings of remaining cases correctly, efficiently and swiftly.

It also said it had provided assistance to both international and national components of the ECCC exceeding $88 million, or 29 per cent of the total contribution by donors as of January 31, making the country the largest single donor to the ECCC since its establishment.

Acting director of administration Tony Kranh and deputy director of administration Knut Rosandhaug said in a joint statement that the ECCC was grateful for Japan’s strong commitment to international criminal law and the pursuit of justice for the Cambodian people.

“This new contribution is essential for the ECCC to complete its mandate, without interruption in judicial proceedings,” the statement said.

ECCC spokesman Neth Pheaktra said the Japanese government’s provision would help the ECCC complete court processes this year.

A report on the progress plan from the Khmer Rouge Tribunal dated December 31, last year, said three projected milestones should be reached this year.

The first would be the filing of an appeal brief in case 002, followed by the disposal of appeals against the closing orders in case 003 against Meas Muth with a decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber to send the case for trial or terminate proceedings.

It would then process the disposal of appeals against the closing order in case 004 with a decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber to send the case for trial or terminate proceedings.