Rebel Tells of Truce With Cambodia

Breakaway Khmer Rouge leader Ieng Sary, sentenced to death for his role in the killing of more than 1 million Cambodians, said Monday that he had negotiated a cease-fire with the Cambodian government but that more talks were needed for a comprehensive settlement.

Sary, foreign minister during the Khmer Rouge’s 1975-79 rule of terror, initially appeared nervous before scores of reporters flown by helicopter to this northwestern town.

But he quickly gained confidence as he explained his split last month from former comrade-in-arms Pol Pot and discussed his present efforts to make peace with the government.

He denied any role in the genocide during Khmer Rouge rule, for which he was sentenced to death in absentia, saying he had been powerless. He blamed Pol Pot, the hard-line Khmer Rouge leader, as the sole figure who held absolute power.

“Do I have remorse? No,” said Sary, who is seeking a pardon from the government in exchange for coaxing his renegade troops to lay down their arms. “I have no regrets because this was not my responsibility.”