ID :
124919
Sat, 05/29/2010 - 18:33
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/124919
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FM Kasit: Thailand won’t ask world community to pressure Montenegro
BANGKOK, May 29 (TNA) -- Although the chances for Montenegro to deport fugitive Thailand’s former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and face charges here do not look bright, Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya said Saturday the Thai government would not ask foreign governments to pressure the Montenegro to comply with the Thai request.
Believing that Mr Thaksin now holds both Thai and Montenegrin citizenship, making it difficult for that government to extradite him, Mr Kasit said the hunt for the ousted premier would continue in line with the duty of his ministry.
Mr Thaksin, ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, is now facing terrorism charges after being accused of funding bloody anti-government protests which ended on May 19. He was earlier sentenced in absentia to two-year imprisonment for conflict of interest while in power.
Asked whether relations between the two countries could turn sour if the Montenegrin government refuses to extradite him, Mr Kasit said: “No, because the problem now rests with that government.”
He said the Thai ambassador to Hungary has been in contact with the Montenegrin government on a regular basis and has also supplied all the necessary information concerning the case. It is untrue that Thailand has not supplied sufficient information as claimed by Montenegro.
He said Thailand is well prepared to further send more information if asked by the Montenegrin government.
“As Montenegro wishes to become a member of the European Union (EU), it must strictly follow EU regulations, especially on good governance and transparency. Allowing Mr Thaksin to stay and issuing its passport to him would fit good governance.
Legal or not," Mr Kasit said, it is now the responsibility of that government and its leader to do their 'homework.'
Thailand doesn’t wish to become an enemy of anyone, Mr Kasit said, but it is only seeking cooperation in order to fulfill its duty and not hunting Mr Thaksin,” Mr Kasit said.
It is not proper to ask a third party to pressure the Montenegrin government, he said. The two governments “can negotiate" regarding the issue. (TNA)
Believing that Mr Thaksin now holds both Thai and Montenegrin citizenship, making it difficult for that government to extradite him, Mr Kasit said the hunt for the ousted premier would continue in line with the duty of his ministry.
Mr Thaksin, ousted in a bloodless coup in September 2006, is now facing terrorism charges after being accused of funding bloody anti-government protests which ended on May 19. He was earlier sentenced in absentia to two-year imprisonment for conflict of interest while in power.
Asked whether relations between the two countries could turn sour if the Montenegrin government refuses to extradite him, Mr Kasit said: “No, because the problem now rests with that government.”
He said the Thai ambassador to Hungary has been in contact with the Montenegrin government on a regular basis and has also supplied all the necessary information concerning the case. It is untrue that Thailand has not supplied sufficient information as claimed by Montenegro.
He said Thailand is well prepared to further send more information if asked by the Montenegrin government.
“As Montenegro wishes to become a member of the European Union (EU), it must strictly follow EU regulations, especially on good governance and transparency. Allowing Mr Thaksin to stay and issuing its passport to him would fit good governance.
Legal or not," Mr Kasit said, it is now the responsibility of that government and its leader to do their 'homework.'
Thailand doesn’t wish to become an enemy of anyone, Mr Kasit said, but it is only seeking cooperation in order to fulfill its duty and not hunting Mr Thaksin,” Mr Kasit said.
It is not proper to ask a third party to pressure the Montenegrin government, he said. The two governments “can negotiate" regarding the issue. (TNA)
