ID :
120118
Tue, 05/04/2010 - 09:46
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/120118
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PM proposes road map for reconciliation, general election on Nov 14
BANGKOK, May 4 (TNA) - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday proposed a road map for national reconciliation to end the political crisis and set a general election on November 14, while Red Shirt protesters showed initial positive reaction to the plan and are set to announce their response on Tuesday.
In a nationally televised address Monday night, Mr Abhisit proposed a five-prong road map to reconciliation which, he said, would welcome all stakeholders who want the country back to normalcy.
Centrally he said the monarchy must not be used as a tool in political conflicts, but all parties should help protect and respect the institution.
The government earlier accused some Red Shirt supporters of intending to overthrow the monarchy and some were detained for publicised comments on websites that are considered as insulting to the monarchy.
Thailand's reform to end the conflict and restore justice in society, including better resolving economic inequality, was the second issue in the premier's proposal.
Thirdly Mr Abhsit said that the principles of the right to freedom of expression should be observed, but the media must avoid reports that could incite or instigate the conflict in society.
Mr Abhisit said that an independent panel would be set up for fact finding regarding incidents of protesters and security forces losing their lives on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue's Khok Wua intersection, at Silom Road on April 22 and at Don Mueang on April 28.
All political parties should join together to amend the Constitution and some legal issues to be agreed upon by all sides.
The premier said that he admitted that his road map could not satisfy all parties but the government believed if they received good response and cooperation from the public and all parties concerned, the reconciliation could return to society and the government was ready to let the voters to make decision again by holding a general election on November 14.
If the proposals do not receive wide support, he said, the government would go ahead as planned but the process would be delayed and the government could not conduct a general election on November 14 as targeted, and could not set any date.
As for the premier's proposed mid-November general election, according to the Constitution he would dissolve the Lower House of Parliament between 45 and 60 days beforehand, meaning the dissolution would be fixed for sometime during late August and early September.
In earlier negotiations with the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders, the government proposed to dissolve the House and call for a fresh election in nine months, or around December. The Red shirt leaders rejected the proposal, demanding that a House dissolution take place in 15 days, before changing their demand to for an immediate House dissolution.
UDD leader Veera Musikhapong announced the prime minister's road map to the demonstrators which received loud applause, while Jatuporn Prompan, another Red Shirt leader, said the group must discuss the proposal and would give its official response on Tuesday. (TNA)
In a nationally televised address Monday night, Mr Abhisit proposed a five-prong road map to reconciliation which, he said, would welcome all stakeholders who want the country back to normalcy.
Centrally he said the monarchy must not be used as a tool in political conflicts, but all parties should help protect and respect the institution.
The government earlier accused some Red Shirt supporters of intending to overthrow the monarchy and some were detained for publicised comments on websites that are considered as insulting to the monarchy.
Thailand's reform to end the conflict and restore justice in society, including better resolving economic inequality, was the second issue in the premier's proposal.
Thirdly Mr Abhsit said that the principles of the right to freedom of expression should be observed, but the media must avoid reports that could incite or instigate the conflict in society.
Mr Abhisit said that an independent panel would be set up for fact finding regarding incidents of protesters and security forces losing their lives on April 10 at Ratchadamnoen Avenue's Khok Wua intersection, at Silom Road on April 22 and at Don Mueang on April 28.
All political parties should join together to amend the Constitution and some legal issues to be agreed upon by all sides.
The premier said that he admitted that his road map could not satisfy all parties but the government believed if they received good response and cooperation from the public and all parties concerned, the reconciliation could return to society and the government was ready to let the voters to make decision again by holding a general election on November 14.
If the proposals do not receive wide support, he said, the government would go ahead as planned but the process would be delayed and the government could not conduct a general election on November 14 as targeted, and could not set any date.
As for the premier's proposed mid-November general election, according to the Constitution he would dissolve the Lower House of Parliament between 45 and 60 days beforehand, meaning the dissolution would be fixed for sometime during late August and early September.
In earlier negotiations with the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders, the government proposed to dissolve the House and call for a fresh election in nine months, or around December. The Red shirt leaders rejected the proposal, demanding that a House dissolution take place in 15 days, before changing their demand to for an immediate House dissolution.
UDD leader Veera Musikhapong announced the prime minister's road map to the demonstrators which received loud applause, while Jatuporn Prompan, another Red Shirt leader, said the group must discuss the proposal and would give its official response on Tuesday. (TNA)
