At least 1.7 million people -- nearly a quarter of Cambodia's population -- died under the 1975-1979 Khmer Rouge regime from execution, disease, starvation and overwork, according to the Documentation Center of Cambodia.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

If the non-communists are to provide a viable alternative in any future elections to the communist factions (either those under the flag of the well-equipped Khmer Rouge or those of the erstwhile Khmer Rougist regime in Phnom Penh), however, they must receive military assistance during the period of transition to a strong United Nations presence.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Giving Peace A Chance In Cambodia: A Primer For US Policy

In the 1970s he was with the Khmer Rouge, his enemy the U.S.-backed Lon Nol regime.

CNN: BIG BURDEN