PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – With the necessary laws approved, Cambodia could begin trying former leaders of the Khmer Rouge for genocide by the end of next year, a senior government official said yesterday.

The deputy prime minister, Sok An, also said about 10 former top members of the defunct communist group, which ruled Cambodia with an iron fist in the late 1970s, could face prosecution.

He spoke after legislators approved laws yesterday barring the Cambodian government from pardoning Khmer Rouge suspects.

On Monday, they ratified a landmark U.N.-backed plan to set up a tribunal to prosecute the surviving leaders of the regime, believed responsible for the death of almost 2 million people.

“We have fulfilled this supreme task to seek justice for the victims and contribute to the cause of the entire humanity, which is to prevent the return of genocide,” Mr. Sok An told reporters after the 96-2 vote.

“I cannot see anymore obstacles left,” said Mr. Sok An, who served as Cambodia’s chief negotiator with the United Nations. He added that he expected the tribunal to convene before the end of next year.

Others wondered when or if justice would be done.

“I’m happy about the news, but I cannot yet put my heart to believe it will happen,” said the 72-year-old Chum Mey, who survived being torture by the Khmer Rouge only to have his wife and child shot by them.

Ratification of the tribunal pact came after more than six years of negotiations and delays. The agreement still needs the expected approval of Cambodia’s Senate and head of state, and funding for the tribunal has yet to be secured.

The Khmer Rouge are believed responsible for the deaths of at least 1.7 million of their countrymen from starvation, disease, overwork, and execution. None of the regime’s top leaders has been brought to justice.