The five arrested former leaders of the Khmer Rouge regime are all patiently awaiting trial, their lawyers said this week.

All five leaders have so far been denied bail, though the only pre-trial release hearing held has been for former prison chief Duch.

Former foreign minister Ieng Sary faced a deadline for his petition for release Thursday; his wife, former social affairs minister Ieng Thirith, faces a Friday deadline.

Say Bory, lawyer for the former nominal head of the regime, Khieu Samphan, said his client was "calm" and "respects the process."

And Son Arun, who represents the regimes chief ideologue, Nuon Chea, said his client had not mentioned was seeking pre-trial release.

The tribunal will hold a hearing on Feb. 4 to decide on Nuon Chea's request, Son Arun said.