Thai South crisis: NSC chief 'won't always be key negotiator'

SOUTH CRISIS
NSC chief 'won't always be key negotiator'
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE PEACE dialogue with insurgents to sort out violence in the far South will continue in accordance with a key policy of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, but the chief negotiator will not be always the National Security Council secretary-general as in previous meetings, deputy Army commander General Udomdej Sitabutr said yesterday.

The key negotiators in future rounds of talks may vary depending on the content of specific talks, but the entire framework will still be under NSC supervision, said Udomdej, secretary-general of the National Council for Peace and Order.

The direction of the dialogue has also been re-adjusted by Prayuth and the negotiators will be handpicked by him based on their qualifications and expertise in various fields to ensure greater progress and success, said Udomdej.

While the NSC handles high-profile dialogue with insurgent leaders, the Internal Security Operation Command units are currently talking with local insurgents in their areas of operation, he said. Prayuth was satisfied with the situation in the South after he seized power in May, he added.

Udomdej was speaking after chairing a high-profile security meeting at an Army barracks in Narathiwat, where he was briefed about the security situation, which saw 28 fewer incidents taking place this year, compared to the same period last year. He later presided over a reforestation project involving 800 Malaysians and 1,200 Thais.

He also chaired a ceremony at Narathiwat airport to see off hundreds of Thai Muslims who will be on a government-assisted Hajj pilgrimage. There will be a total of 10,400 pilgrims under Thailand's quota, boarding 168 flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai and Narathiwat airports this year.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/NSC-chief-wont-always-be-key-negotiator-30241919.html

-- The Nation 2014-08-28