ID :
119817
Sun, 05/02/2010 - 14:21
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/119817
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PM: Martial law still not needed; Protesters must stay within Ratchaprasong
BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) -- Embattled Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Sunday there is still no need to declare martial law. He told the nation that the immediate solution to the ongoing protest in the capital lies in controlling the demonstrators, keeping them from spreading their protest site at Ratchaprasong intersection to other areas.
Speaking during his weekly TV and radio address, Mr Abhisit reasserted that political problems must be solved on a lasting and “sustainable basis.” He emphasised that demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) now at Ratchaprasong intersection, a fashionable business district in Bangkok, must be contained in the area.
UDD protesters have been demonstrating, demanding that Mr Abhisit dissolve the House and hold fresh general election since March 13. The rally site spread to Ratchaprasong on April 3 and spread along Ratchadamri Road later.
He said road and highway checkpoints illegally set up by UDD protesters must be closed. The prime minister warned that the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation will punish concerned provincial authorities if the order is neglected.
Solving the problem through “political means” has been implemented by the government steadily and is expected to be acceptable to every concerned party, said Mr Abhisit.
Regarding the national reconciliation process proposed by several sectors aimed at resolving the current political crisis, Mr Abhisit said his government is prepared to establish an independent committee to probe the demonstration and related matters as well as "reforming Thailand to solve injustice and poverty problems.”
Again, Mr Abhisit reasserted that there is still no need to declare martial law to contain the demonstration. Once peace is restored the demand by UDD protesters for the House dissolution would have an “answer.” “I can announce my government’s intention very soon,” he added.
The UDD Sunday agreed to open one traffic lane in front of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital. The agreement came after ten minutes of negotiation between Bangkok's police chief and a key UDD leader and an UDD security guard.
Police want the UDD protesters to open the entire road from Sala Daeng intersection to Sarasin intersection, about a kilometre away from the intersection but the protesters refused, citing security concerns for the demonstrators who are rallying in front of the hospital.
After the talks, the Red Shirt protesters began to dismantle their bunker blocking the street in front of a Chulalongkorn Hospital building, and near the hospital boundary wall.
The police request to open the road will be considered by UDD leaders. (TNA)
Speaking during his weekly TV and radio address, Mr Abhisit reasserted that political problems must be solved on a lasting and “sustainable basis.” He emphasised that demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) now at Ratchaprasong intersection, a fashionable business district in Bangkok, must be contained in the area.
UDD protesters have been demonstrating, demanding that Mr Abhisit dissolve the House and hold fresh general election since March 13. The rally site spread to Ratchaprasong on April 3 and spread along Ratchadamri Road later.
He said road and highway checkpoints illegally set up by UDD protesters must be closed. The prime minister warned that the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation will punish concerned provincial authorities if the order is neglected.
Solving the problem through “political means” has been implemented by the government steadily and is expected to be acceptable to every concerned party, said Mr Abhisit.
Regarding the national reconciliation process proposed by several sectors aimed at resolving the current political crisis, Mr Abhisit said his government is prepared to establish an independent committee to probe the demonstration and related matters as well as "reforming Thailand to solve injustice and poverty problems.”
Again, Mr Abhisit reasserted that there is still no need to declare martial law to contain the demonstration. Once peace is restored the demand by UDD protesters for the House dissolution would have an “answer.” “I can announce my government’s intention very soon,” he added.
The UDD Sunday agreed to open one traffic lane in front of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn Hospital. The agreement came after ten minutes of negotiation between Bangkok's police chief and a key UDD leader and an UDD security guard.
Police want the UDD protesters to open the entire road from Sala Daeng intersection to Sarasin intersection, about a kilometre away from the intersection but the protesters refused, citing security concerns for the demonstrators who are rallying in front of the hospital.
After the talks, the Red Shirt protesters began to dismantle their bunker blocking the street in front of a Chulalongkorn Hospital building, and near the hospital boundary wall.
The police request to open the road will be considered by UDD leaders. (TNA)
