ID :
18232
Sat, 09/06/2008 - 10:09
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/18232
The shortlink copeid
THAI PM HINTS MOVE TO CANCEL STATE OF EMERGENCY
By D. Arul Rajoo
BANGKOK, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has
hinted at lifting the state of emergency which he imposed on the capital, several days ago, as it failed to bring any positive development.
The embattled 72-year-old said the military which was empowered to enforce the declaration could not do much as thousands of People's Alliance for Democarcy (PAD) supporters continued to remain in his office compound after seizing it on Aug 26.
"I will discuss with other relevant agencies before revoking the state of emergency," he told reporters here Friday.
Business communities have criticised the state of emergency, saying that
the
economy would be severely affected as foreign investors would shun the country,
while the tourism sector already faces uncertainty with many tour cancellations
from abroad.
But the premier, who has vowed to stay in office, said he would not enter
negotiations with PAD leaders.
This is despite calls from many quarters for the two sides to meet to break
the stand-off which has affected the country's economy and image on the
international scene.
Instead, Samak said he preferred the Thai people to decide whether they
wanted to see turmoil from continuing through a proposed referendum.
The prime minister had declared a state of emergency this week after
violent clashes between pro and anti-government supporters left one man dead and
40 injured.
But the military has rejected a move to evacuate the protesters by force
and there is hardly any soldier on the street or patrolling near the Government
House where barriers were erected (by protesters) to block riot police and
pro-government supporters from entering the vast area.
On a replacement for Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag who had resigned, Samak
said he had already found a successor and the name was submitted for royal
endorsement.
Tej tendered his resignation less than 40 days in office due to pressure
from many close associates who want the career diplomat to cut off ties with the
embattled government.
-- BERNAMA
BANGKOK, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has
hinted at lifting the state of emergency which he imposed on the capital, several days ago, as it failed to bring any positive development.
The embattled 72-year-old said the military which was empowered to enforce the declaration could not do much as thousands of People's Alliance for Democarcy (PAD) supporters continued to remain in his office compound after seizing it on Aug 26.
"I will discuss with other relevant agencies before revoking the state of emergency," he told reporters here Friday.
Business communities have criticised the state of emergency, saying that
the
economy would be severely affected as foreign investors would shun the country,
while the tourism sector already faces uncertainty with many tour cancellations
from abroad.
But the premier, who has vowed to stay in office, said he would not enter
negotiations with PAD leaders.
This is despite calls from many quarters for the two sides to meet to break
the stand-off which has affected the country's economy and image on the
international scene.
Instead, Samak said he preferred the Thai people to decide whether they
wanted to see turmoil from continuing through a proposed referendum.
The prime minister had declared a state of emergency this week after
violent clashes between pro and anti-government supporters left one man dead and
40 injured.
But the military has rejected a move to evacuate the protesters by force
and there is hardly any soldier on the street or patrolling near the Government
House where barriers were erected (by protesters) to block riot police and
pro-government supporters from entering the vast area.
On a replacement for Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag who had resigned, Samak
said he had already found a successor and the name was submitted for royal
endorsement.
Tej tendered his resignation less than 40 days in office due to pressure
from many close associates who want the career diplomat to cut off ties with the
embattled government.
-- BERNAMA
