UN embargo on Khmer Rouge

NEW YORK (Reuter) - The Security Council yesterday imposed trade sanctions on Cambodian regions controlled by the Khmer Rouge in a last call for the guerrillas to join a UN-organised peace process.

The resolution also threatens to exclude the Khmer Rouge from Cambodia's first free elections in May if they do not allow voters in their areas to register by 31 January. The vote was 14 in favour, with China abstaining. In the main, the document tells the Khmer Rouge that elections for a constituent assembly will be held in May, whether they take part of not.

Earlier yesterday, the Khmer Rouge announced it had set up a political party to contest UN-run elections if its demands are met, signalling it still wants to be part of the peace process.