ID :
150540
Sat, 11/20/2010 - 16:48
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http://m.oananews.org//node/150540
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Thai govt ready to lift emergency decree: Deputy PM
BANGKOK, Nov 20 -- The Thai government is prepared to revoke the emergency decree now imposed in the capital of Bangkok and three neighbouring provinces as well as in four trouble-plagued southern provinces after peace has returned to those areas, said newly reappointed Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Saturday.
Asked whether the government is willing to lift the emergency decree in the capital and adjacent provinces after a one-day rally by the anti-government Red Shirt movement in Bangkok ended peacefully Friday, Mr Suthep said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has a clear-cut policy that the emergency decree could also be lifted in the four southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla immediately after peace is restored there.
In response to demands made by the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for the Department of Special Investigation to speedily find the causes of those killed during the marathon rally in April and May within seven days otherwise they would organise a prolonged demonstration, Mr Suthep said the people have rights under the Constitution to a rally but it must be held within the legal framework and not cause trouble to others.
Mr Suthep said he still did not know about a request by Prof Dr Kanit Na Nakorn, chairman of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission, urging Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan to release eight leading UDD members from imprisonment with an aim for national reconciliation and he also had not discussed the issue with the general who is also head of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).
Several factors must be taken into consideration if the release is to be made, said Mr Suthep, adding that the factors include pledges of no disorder be made if they were to be released and that they must not intimidate witnesses otherwise concerned agencies would object the release. However, it depends on a court ruling and the government cannot interfere the court jurisdiction.
Leading UDD members either surrendered or arrested after a clashes between government troop and UDD protesters on May 19.
Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said the overall situation was gradually better and the agencies concerned would evaluate the situation before deciding to lift the emergency decree.
He said the protest of the UDD Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) was not the main factor to be taken into consideration. (MCOT online news)
Asked whether the government is willing to lift the emergency decree in the capital and adjacent provinces after a one-day rally by the anti-government Red Shirt movement in Bangkok ended peacefully Friday, Mr Suthep said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has a clear-cut policy that the emergency decree could also be lifted in the four southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla immediately after peace is restored there.
In response to demands made by the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) for the Department of Special Investigation to speedily find the causes of those killed during the marathon rally in April and May within seven days otherwise they would organise a prolonged demonstration, Mr Suthep said the people have rights under the Constitution to a rally but it must be held within the legal framework and not cause trouble to others.
Mr Suthep said he still did not know about a request by Prof Dr Kanit Na Nakorn, chairman of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission, urging Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan to release eight leading UDD members from imprisonment with an aim for national reconciliation and he also had not discussed the issue with the general who is also head of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).
Several factors must be taken into consideration if the release is to be made, said Mr Suthep, adding that the factors include pledges of no disorder be made if they were to be released and that they must not intimidate witnesses otherwise concerned agencies would object the release. However, it depends on a court ruling and the government cannot interfere the court jurisdiction.
Leading UDD members either surrendered or arrested after a clashes between government troop and UDD protesters on May 19.
Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit said the overall situation was gradually better and the agencies concerned would evaluate the situation before deciding to lift the emergency decree.
He said the protest of the UDD Red Shirts and the Yellow Shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) was not the main factor to be taken into consideration. (MCOT online news)
