KAMPONG THOM: The Minister of Justice, Keut Rith, said that the Ministry of Justice is currently paying close attention to the development of both the policy framework and the legal framework to improve out-of-court dispute resolution mechanisms. He made this statement while speaking at the official appointment and inauguration ceremony of Phong Vann, the President of Kampong Thom Provincial Court, replacing Leang Sour, who was appointed as a member of the Supreme Council of the Magistracy on Tuesday, 24 May.

The Minister of Justice stated that the development of the policy and legal framework was done through mediation and the establishment of the profession of mediators to fulfil their roles and responsibilities in resolving disputes in compliance with applicable laws and regulations aimed at reducing congestion in the courts, focusing dispute resolution mechanisms closer to the people, as well as strengthening community and local harmony.

He added that all judges should try to mediate between the parties that are in argument with one another to be able to end disputes in cases before reaching a decision by issuing a verdict or judgment, but he stressed that this mediation and conciliation must not apply to "criminal cases".

The Minister of Justice also continued to instruct the new President of Kampong Thom Provincial Court to adhere to his commitment with a high sense of responsibility, and especially to strengthen and expand cooperation with all competent authorities and law enforcement officers with mutual respect, based on the roles and responsibilities assigned by the law, and by strictly adhering to professional ethics, national ideals and honesty to serve the justice sector and the people of Cambodia.