Soviet bloc challenges Khmer Rouge for UN seat

October 7, 1980

The Soviet bloc and several supporters formally challenged the right of the Khmer Rouge delegation to represent Cambodia in the United Nations, proposing an amendment to a report of the credentials committee which recommended that the General Assembly approve the credentials of 68 delegations, including that of Cambodia. The USSR and Angola say Cambodia's seat should be occupied by representatives of the Heng Samrin government, which seized power with Vietnamese help last year, ousting the Khmer Rouge government headed by Pol Pot. The amendment would have the Assembly endorse the committee report, except for the Cambodian delegation.