Thai army backs peace talks to overcome political rift
7/11/2008 17:03
Thailand's army chief Anupong Paojinda said today the army backed a
network that seeks ways to end the ongoing political conflict through peaceful
dialogues even if the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)
refuses to enter the mulitilateral negotiations.
Anupong said the army
supports talks if they could help improve political situation, as the general
public do not hope to see violence.
He said that the opposing camps can still
reconcile their differences by talking to one another.
Anupong called on
community radio stations to join the campaign for peace. Broadcasters should
serve the community instead of trying to inflame the situation, he said.
Thai
Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said Sunday that the government was ready to
hold talks with the PAD if it will be creative talk, leading to the peace and
order of the country.
Meanwhile, the PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang said
that the PAD is ready to negotiate with the government.
But, Chamlong is
adamant that negotiations to end the protracted conflict must involve only the
two direct parties in the conflict -- PAD coalition and the government.
The
PAD have been staging anti-government protests since May 25 in Bangkok and have
occupied the Government House for rally since Aug. 26.
Xinhua
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