ID :
12137
Fri, 07/11/2008 - 11:14
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/12137
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Opposition submits impeachment documents against foreign minister
BANGKOK, July 11 (TNA) -- Thailand's opposition Democrat Party on Thursday submitted documents initiating formal impeachment proceedings against Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, charging him of abusing power which violated the constitution following his signing of a joint communique with Cambodia in relation to the ancient Preah Vihear temple.
Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the call for impeachment proceedings would not be affected even though Mr. Noppadon has announced he will resign from his post, because what the opposition party had donewas in relation to actions taken while Mr. Noppadon was in power.
The party submitted documents to begin the impeachment proceeding against Mr. Noppadon to the Senate Speaker, who will forward the request to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to consider a few hours before the embattled foreign minister announced his resignation whichwould become effective Monday.
Impeachment is one thing, resignation is another thing, said Mr. Abhisit, adding that an impeached minister would not be allowed to enter politics in future and legal procedures would be taken against him if he hadengaged in illegal matters.
However, it remains up to the decision of the NCCC.
The Democrat leader suggested that the cabinet must urgently review whether the signing of the Thai-Cambodian joint communique on June 18 violated the constitution and what actions are needed to prevent negativeconsequences which might occur in the future.
Sathit Wongnongtoey, chairman of the opposition whips, said separately that the Democrat Party is considering initiating impeachment proceedings against Mr. Samak and some ministers, especially those attending the cabinet meeting on June 17 -- the day the Thai government approved a new map, drafted by the Cambodian government, and the joint communique. (TNA)
Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the call for impeachment proceedings would not be affected even though Mr. Noppadon has announced he will resign from his post, because what the opposition party had donewas in relation to actions taken while Mr. Noppadon was in power.
The party submitted documents to begin the impeachment proceeding against Mr. Noppadon to the Senate Speaker, who will forward the request to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) to consider a few hours before the embattled foreign minister announced his resignation whichwould become effective Monday.
Impeachment is one thing, resignation is another thing, said Mr. Abhisit, adding that an impeached minister would not be allowed to enter politics in future and legal procedures would be taken against him if he hadengaged in illegal matters.
However, it remains up to the decision of the NCCC.
The Democrat leader suggested that the cabinet must urgently review whether the signing of the Thai-Cambodian joint communique on June 18 violated the constitution and what actions are needed to prevent negativeconsequences which might occur in the future.
Sathit Wongnongtoey, chairman of the opposition whips, said separately that the Democrat Party is considering initiating impeachment proceedings against Mr. Samak and some ministers, especially those attending the cabinet meeting on June 17 -- the day the Thai government approved a new map, drafted by the Cambodian government, and the joint communique. (TNA)
