ID :
140943
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 18:09
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/140943
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PM: Awaiting Puea Thai Party contact for talks on national reconciliation plan
BANGKOK, Sept 6 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Monday that he has not yet been contacted by the opposition Puea Thai Party to discuss the proposed national reconciliation plan, but asserted he is ready to talk on the condition that there must be no violence.
The premier made the remarks after the opposition party last week offered a five-point proposal seeking talks with the government to end the ongoing political conflict which intensified since the bloodless coup which toppled ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, 2006.
Deputy Puea Thai Party leader Plodprasop Suratsawadee said all concerned parties-- which may include Mr Thaksin--must come to the negotiating table, saying he believes reconciliation talks would be held by the end of this year with no changes to the Constitution.
The prime minister, who just returned from his trip to Shanghai, said he has not been contacted by the Puea Thai Party, saying as far as he knows, the opposition party has not yet reached a conclusion on the matter.
When asked whether Puea Thai Party chairman Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh may raise the possibility of the formation of a government of national unity, Mr Abhisit said the talks will not focus on any particular topic but all parties must say no to violence and end any law-violating activities. If everyone can do so, the parliamentary process will be able to proceed smoothly.
Regarding criticism that there will be no checks and balances if all parties join a national government, the premier concedes this is its weakness and that a good system needs scrutiny.
"I think now it is not about being or not being the government," Mr Abhisit said. "People want to see the political sector [responding to the public need] so their duty is in restoring peace in the country. Every party must reject the use of violence." said Mr Abhisit.
The premier added if normalcy resumes, elections will be held but not within this year as there are only a few months left.
Meanwhile, Mr Thaksin's legal advisor Noppadon Pattama told a news conference Monday the deposed premier expressed satisfaction that many parties had responded [positively] to the proposed reconciliation plan.
"Mr Thaksin will not interfere when Puea Thai Party selects their representatives to talk with the government. The party will consider the persons who are appropriate," said Mr Noppadon.
In response to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's remarks that the government will negotiate as long as the Puea Thai party ends the use of violence and stop supporting movements to topple the monarchy, Puea Thai party leader Yongyuth Vichaidit on Monday reaffirmed the opposition party has never supported the use of violence and that it has always respected the monarchy.
Mr Yongyuth said his party will wait and see the readiness of the government and other concerned agencies whether they will be ready to move on with the reconciliation process, while Mr Yongyuth himself will be the party representative with other persons approved by party resolution. (MCOT online news)
The premier made the remarks after the opposition party last week offered a five-point proposal seeking talks with the government to end the ongoing political conflict which intensified since the bloodless coup which toppled ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on September 19, 2006.
Deputy Puea Thai Party leader Plodprasop Suratsawadee said all concerned parties-- which may include Mr Thaksin--must come to the negotiating table, saying he believes reconciliation talks would be held by the end of this year with no changes to the Constitution.
The prime minister, who just returned from his trip to Shanghai, said he has not been contacted by the Puea Thai Party, saying as far as he knows, the opposition party has not yet reached a conclusion on the matter.
When asked whether Puea Thai Party chairman Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh may raise the possibility of the formation of a government of national unity, Mr Abhisit said the talks will not focus on any particular topic but all parties must say no to violence and end any law-violating activities. If everyone can do so, the parliamentary process will be able to proceed smoothly.
Regarding criticism that there will be no checks and balances if all parties join a national government, the premier concedes this is its weakness and that a good system needs scrutiny.
"I think now it is not about being or not being the government," Mr Abhisit said. "People want to see the political sector [responding to the public need] so their duty is in restoring peace in the country. Every party must reject the use of violence." said Mr Abhisit.
The premier added if normalcy resumes, elections will be held but not within this year as there are only a few months left.
Meanwhile, Mr Thaksin's legal advisor Noppadon Pattama told a news conference Monday the deposed premier expressed satisfaction that many parties had responded [positively] to the proposed reconciliation plan.
"Mr Thaksin will not interfere when Puea Thai Party selects their representatives to talk with the government. The party will consider the persons who are appropriate," said Mr Noppadon.
In response to Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban's remarks that the government will negotiate as long as the Puea Thai party ends the use of violence and stop supporting movements to topple the monarchy, Puea Thai party leader Yongyuth Vichaidit on Monday reaffirmed the opposition party has never supported the use of violence and that it has always respected the monarchy.
Mr Yongyuth said his party will wait and see the readiness of the government and other concerned agencies whether they will be ready to move on with the reconciliation process, while Mr Yongyuth himself will be the party representative with other persons approved by party resolution. (MCOT online news)
