Former Khmer Rouge minister of foreign affairs Ieng Sary has hired a US attorney as international representation during tribunal proceedings.
Ieng Sary faces charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and will add lawyer Michael Karnavas to his defense team, which also includes Cambodian Ang Udom.
The appointment makes Michael Karnavas the first American defense attorney for the tribunal.
Ieng Sary chose Karnavas from several recommendations by the tribunal, Ang Udom said.
"He wanted someone other than a French national, because there are too many French nationals," Ang Udom said of the choice.
Karnavas, who worked as defense at the international tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, "started work yesterday," Ang Udom said Tuesday.