TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yushimasa has backed the sentencing of Khieu Samphan to life in prison and paid tribute to those who took part in the trials.

In a statement issued at the end of the Khmer Rouge trials on Thursday, 22 September, Minister Hayashi Yushimasa stated that the Khmer Rouge trials were an important step towards the finalization of the peace process in Cambodia and contributed to bringing justice and strengthening the rule of law in the country.

"Japan hopes that the significance of the trials will be widely understood among the Cambodian people and succeeded as a legacy for the next generations and the international community through educational activities which are to be continued after the completion of the legal process, and it will contribute to strengthening the rule of law," said the Japanese Foreign Minister.

Japan is a major donor to the Khmer Rouge tribunal, providing around US $88.67 million, equivalent to 30% of international aid for the tribunal's work since 2006.