ID :
111597
Sun, 03/14/2010 - 16:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/111597
The shortlink copeid
Red Shirts threaten mass street protests if no response from government in 24 hours
BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA) – Thailand's anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Sunday issued an ultimatum to the government to dissolve the House of Representatives within 24 hours, threatening mass street protests across the capital if their demand is not met.
Refusing to reveal routes and destinations of their planned march, UDD leader Veera Musikapong said the Red Shirts gave the government 24 hours to respond to their demand to dissolve the House and return power to the people.
As the mass rally officially kicked off Sunday, key UDD leaders atook turn to address the crowd, criticising the prime minister for coming to power illegitimately.
They said more protesters are expected to come out Sunday evening to come out to join tens of thousands of protesters, which have already occupied Bangkok’s Rajdamneon Avenue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday he is willing to discuss with leading UDD members on ways to end political stalemate in Thailand if they have sufficient reason, but reaffirmed that he opposes a military coup.
Speaking during his weekly television and radio address, Mr Abhisit said the UDD demands from different factions are still conflicting with the others, with some demanding that his government resign, while some called for a House dissolution.
Mr Abhisit said he would consider their demand and discuss it in a reasonable manner once they come to conclusion about their common demand, but said the demand must be reasonable and based on national interest.
“If the House is dissolved while conflicts remain and a general election is held without peace then it’s not good for the country,” Mr Abhisit stated, adding that he also opposes a military coup.
“A coup won’t benefit the majority of the people in the country and it’s not a reason for people to give it the support. The military and police are now carrying out their duty to keep the country’s stability intact, not for Mr Abhisit ,” the prime minister said. (TNA)
Refusing to reveal routes and destinations of their planned march, UDD leader Veera Musikapong said the Red Shirts gave the government 24 hours to respond to their demand to dissolve the House and return power to the people.
As the mass rally officially kicked off Sunday, key UDD leaders atook turn to address the crowd, criticising the prime minister for coming to power illegitimately.
They said more protesters are expected to come out Sunday evening to come out to join tens of thousands of protesters, which have already occupied Bangkok’s Rajdamneon Avenue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday he is willing to discuss with leading UDD members on ways to end political stalemate in Thailand if they have sufficient reason, but reaffirmed that he opposes a military coup.
Speaking during his weekly television and radio address, Mr Abhisit said the UDD demands from different factions are still conflicting with the others, with some demanding that his government resign, while some called for a House dissolution.
Mr Abhisit said he would consider their demand and discuss it in a reasonable manner once they come to conclusion about their common demand, but said the demand must be reasonable and based on national interest.
“If the House is dissolved while conflicts remain and a general election is held without peace then it’s not good for the country,” Mr Abhisit stated, adding that he also opposes a military coup.
“A coup won’t benefit the majority of the people in the country and it’s not a reason for people to give it the support. The military and police are now carrying out their duty to keep the country’s stability intact, not for Mr Abhisit ,” the prime minister said. (TNA)
