PAD stands firm on PM's resignation: no negotiations

Bangkok, June 21 (TNA) - Emphasising that Thailand's current political
impasse cannot be solved through parliamentary means, retired Maj-Gen.
Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), said Saturday that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has only one choice: "Leave office".

Commenting on Mr. Samak, who also carries the defense minister's
portfolio, can neither resign from his post nor dissolve the House because the opposition Democrat Party has filed a no-confidence motion against him and seven of his key cabinet ministers.

As the motion is now on parliament's agenda, Gen. Chamlong said parliament
must proceed with its duty, but "the country's crisis has never been
solved by the parliament and has to depend on people".

Under the 2007 constitution, prepared by military-appointed legal and
constitution experts, the House cannot be dissolved by a prime minister
after a no-confidence motion is filed against the government.

Asked whether the PAD would negotiate with the government to resolve the
political deadlock, Gen. Chamlong said: "There will be no negotiations."

PAD members and supporters on Saturday continued speaking against the
government at Government House after successfully brakiing through police
barriers to block the entrance of the building Friday afternoon.

The PAD has been demonstrating since May 25 at the UN Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), near Government House,
demanding the government to resign, charging its members as being simply
nominees of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Gen. Chamlong declined to say how long the PAD demonstrators would remain
at Government House.

"It depends on the situation," he said, affirming that the protestors
would not invade or damage property at Government House.

Although police have fenced off access to Government House, as of early
Saturday vehicles could still pass the area. (TNA)