PM ready for 'peace talks' with Pheu Thai

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was ready to hold "peace talks" with the Pheu Thai Party after his return from China, Democrat spokesman Buranaj Smutharaks said yesterday.

However, the spokesman said the PM would not invite Pheu Thai to join the government or discuss an amnesty for people banned from politics, as suggested by some people.

He said Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan's opposition to reconciliation would not affect the talks. Anyone who wanted to reconcile could help ease the political divide.

Abhisit yesterday left for China on a plane provided by the air force to attend the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, till Monday. He did not speak to reporters.

The Thai delegation accompanying Abhisit includes the Thai Trade Representative Kiat Sittheeamorn, PM's deputy secretary-general Panitan Wattanayagorn and deputy government spokesperson Watchara Kannika.

Abhisit is due to host his "Confidence in Thailand with PM Abhisit" weekly programme on NBT from Shanghai this morning.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai deputy spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said party executives would discuss the reconciliation proposal on Tuesday before announcing to its MPs.

Deputy leader Plodprasop Suraswadi announced the plan at a press conference last Thursday and some questioned whether it was a party move or his personal idea.

Former caretaker Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisaeng said the reconciliation proposal was a good start. But it depended on each party's sincerity.

Jirayu also said the party supported measures to tighten security in Bangkok by the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

On Friday, the CRES put 464 locations in Bangkok deemed to be potential targets of attack under 24-hour surveillance.

However, Jirayu said, the measures must be implemented seriously to prevent problems. His party had several times warned the government about possible violence, but the warning was ignored, he claimed.

He said the government blamed the red shirts when any unrest took place, which was unfair to them.

-- The Nation 2010-09-05

What a historic week First we have the PLO & Israel ready to resume peace talks and now we have PM Abhisit & Pheu Thai ready for peace talks. I wonder which one will fail first?

What a historic week First we have the PLO & Israel ready to resume peace talks and now we have PM Abhisit & Pheu Thai ready for peace talks. I wonder which one will fail first?

The odds are stacked in favour of the PLO/Israeli peace talks making more progress. The US government (present as well as past) has invested a great deal of energy in the search for a lasting settlement in the region. There is also more international attention paid to that conflict, particularly the humanitarian problems. "Western" governments also see the Arab/Israeli conflict as a breeding ground for Muslim terrorists. Good relations with Arab states also helps to guarantee oil supplies.

Thailand on the other hand has no external driving force behind the "peace talks". While the odds of the PLO/Israeli peace talks making significant progress are not great, they are worse in Thailand.

What a historic week First we have the PLO & Israel ready to resume peace talks and now we have PM Abhisit & Pheu Thai ready for peace talks. I wonder which one will fail first?

The odds are stacked in favour of the PLO/Israeli peace talks making more progress. The US government (present as well as past) has invested a great deal of energy in the search for a lasting settlement in the region. There is also more international attention paid to that conflict, particularly the humanitarian problems. "Western" governments also see the Arab/Israeli conflict as a breeding ground for Muslim terrorists. Good relations with Arab states also helps to guarantee oil supplies.

Thailand on the other hand has no external driving force behind the "peace talks". While the odds of the PLO/Israeli peace talks making significant progress are not great, they are worse in Thailand.

Don't agree, what new magic formula will see progress in the middle east. just do not see a solution where as the "who cares" status for Thailand gives a slim chance to get on with it in its own way.

Edited September 5, 201015 yr by alant