Fed: In 79 Australia recognised Pol Pot at legitimate ruler

AAP General News (Australia)
01-01-2010
Fed: In 79 Australia recognised Pol Pot at legitimate ruler

(EDS NOTE: EMBARGOED TO 0001 AEDT JANUARY 1, 2010)



By Max Blenkin

CANBERRA, Jan 1 AAP - In one of the more controversial episodes of international diplomacy,
Australia persisted in recognising one of the most blood-drenched regimes in human history
long after it had been thrown out of power.

Cabinet papers for 1979 - released by the National Archives of Australia - reveal the
government of Malcolm Fraser fully acknowledged the international condemnation of Cambodia's
former Khmer Rouge regime, headed by Pol Pot, for …