ID :
152651
Tue, 12/07/2010 - 17:47
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/152651
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CSCE's move does not violate Thai authority, says spokesman
BANGKOK,Dec7(TNA)-The Thai government affirmed on Tuesday that a move by Washington's Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) to invite convicted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to provide information on violent incidents in Thailand, including alleged human rights violation against red-clad protesters during their political mass rallies earlier this year, is not deemed breaching the Thai laws or sovereign authority as CSCE is an independent panel.
Thailand’s acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn revealed that the Thai government is waiting for Washington's confirmation whether Thaksin has been invited as reported.
Panitan, who is also Deputy Secretary General to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, noted, however, if Thaksin has been invited by the panel, it is considered normal, as Washington has been interested in human rights issues of several countries and it is not considered any violation of Thailand's laws or sovereign authority.
The Thai acting government spokesman acknowledged that the Thai government is considering whether to send written documents or a representative to provide the CSCE with official information on the issues, saying that Bangkok has actually kept Washington informed on the issues.
Panitan also dismissed as a distortion over reports that the Thai government would not send any representative to the United States to provide official information on the issues if Thaksin was granted the US visa.
The government spokesman said that Thailand can, nonetheless, seek Thaksin's extradition from US authorities through legal procedures.
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail term for corruption. He fled Thailand in 2008 before he was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail.
The ex-premier remains an influential figure on Thailand's political scene. He galvanised his "red shirt" supporters earlier this year to join mass protests against the current government. Thai courts have issued a series of warrants for the ex-premier for charges including terrorism -- an accusation linked to the ‘red shirt’ protests.
The mass demonstrations in Bangkok descended into several bouts of bloodshed in April and May that left 91 people dead -- mostly civilians -- and some 1,900 injured, in a series of clashes between armed troops and protesters.(TNA)
Thailand’s acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn revealed that the Thai government is waiting for Washington's confirmation whether Thaksin has been invited as reported.
Panitan, who is also Deputy Secretary General to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, noted, however, if Thaksin has been invited by the panel, it is considered normal, as Washington has been interested in human rights issues of several countries and it is not considered any violation of Thailand's laws or sovereign authority.
The Thai acting government spokesman acknowledged that the Thai government is considering whether to send written documents or a representative to provide the CSCE with official information on the issues, saying that Bangkok has actually kept Washington informed on the issues.
Panitan also dismissed as a distortion over reports that the Thai government would not send any representative to the United States to provide official information on the issues if Thaksin was granted the US visa.
The government spokesman said that Thailand can, nonetheless, seek Thaksin's extradition from US authorities through legal procedures.
Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a jail term for corruption. He fled Thailand in 2008 before he was sentenced in absentia to two years in jail.
The ex-premier remains an influential figure on Thailand's political scene. He galvanised his "red shirt" supporters earlier this year to join mass protests against the current government. Thai courts have issued a series of warrants for the ex-premier for charges including terrorism -- an accusation linked to the ‘red shirt’ protests.
The mass demonstrations in Bangkok descended into several bouts of bloodshed in April and May that left 91 people dead -- mostly civilians -- and some 1,900 injured, in a series of clashes between armed troops and protesters.(TNA)
