PHNOM PENH, June 24: The Cambodian government has agreed to hold the country's next national elections in May 1998, first Prime Minister Norodom Ranariddh said today.

The country's two Prime Ministers agreed to set a firm date for the upcoming polls at the urging of leaders of the eight industrialised nations Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.

The leaders, who met for a summit that concluded on Sunday in Denver, also expressed concern over political instability in Cambodia. Ranariddh also said that the United States is willing to help extradite Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot to a third country to stand trial for his role in orchestrating the 1975-79 genocide.

In Washington, US State Department spokesman John Dinger said, ``We are exploring every option that might be available to bring the perpetrators of Cambodian genocide to justice.''

Prince ranariddh did not specify as to which country Pol Pot would likely be sent, although the New York Times has reported that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has called on Canada to request his extradition.

Prince Ranariddh said that the breakaway rebels who had allegedly captured Pol Pot must demonstrate their newly stated allegiance to the government by quickly handing him over.

However, Pol Pot's former allies may never let him leave Cambodia's jungle alive, fearing what the Khmer Rouge leader may reveal about their roles in his genocidal rule. Many inside and outside Cambodia fear being implicated if a US led effort to bring Pol Pot before an international tribunal succeeds.yyyyy

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.