Word Association (2024)

[Lite Beer]

SOUTH CRISIS
Mara Patani vows peaceful measures to resolve conflict
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- REPRESENTATIVES of separatist groups in the far South, who held peace talks with Thai negotiators on Tuesday, have promised to use peaceful means to resolve problems in the region, saying they would only use weapons for self-defence.

Chief negotiator General Aksara Kerdphol said yesterday the talks - held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur - were a success and had brought all sides together to find ways to solve the conflict.

A working committee will be set up to put together proposals and demands raised during the meeting and then submitted to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for consideration. His decisions will later be forwarded to the relevant groups.

Aksara led a team of Thai negotiators in the Malaysia-facilitated peace talks on Tuesday with the Mara Patani Consultative Council or Mara Patani. The council is made up of 15 members who represent six groups, which have more than 9,000 armed fighters in the troubled region.

The groups under Mara Patani are the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, the Patani Islamic Mujahideen Movement, the Islamic Liberation Front of Patani, and three bodies under the Patani United Liberation Organisation.

Aksara said the council was made up of "those who have differing views".

"The meeting has achieved two points - firstly all groups are represented and they are committed to using peaceful ways to approach problems, and secondly the number of violent attacks during fasting periods have dropped compared to previous years," he said.

This was the first time that negotiations have been held by Prayut's government.

During the discussion, Aksara conveyed Prayut's message of the government's readiness to address all matters of concern and boost mutual trust. He pointed out that cooperation would usher safety into the region, adding that setting up a "safety zone" that includes public participation would have more fruitful results.

Demands put forward by the Mara Patani group were that its 15 members be recognised as true representatives of the six separatist groups, and that the deep South issue be included in the national agenda, so there is continuity in the implementation of measures.

The group was told that unrest in the deep South has been identified in the national security policy of 2015-2021, and is being given top priority. Aksara said although the Mara Patani's structure was still unclear, it was quite similar to the representation on the Thai side.

Meanwhile, Mara Patani's chairman Awang Jabat told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday the council was willing to play a significant role in achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Awang said Mara Patani was formed to raise awareness about the Malay Patani people's struggle against the colonial system being forced upon them.

"We admit our weaknesses in carrying out this difficult struggle, but due to our responsibility to religion and race, we do this in the name of Allah," he told the press when announcing formation the council.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Mara-Patani-vows-peaceful-measures-to-resolve-conf-30267720.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-29

[Srikcir]

Until the Thai military is willing to admit that it has been forcing a colonial system on the Malay-Thais and is ready to allow them to return to their Muslim culture and traditions, there cannot be a negotiated peace.

[h90]

Until the Thai military is willing to admit that it has been forcing a colonial system on the Malay-Thais and is ready to allow them to return to their Muslim culture and traditions, there cannot be a negotiated peace.

What is exactly suppressed there?

[seajae]

Until the Thai military is willing to admit that it has been forcing a colonial system on the Malay-Thais and is ready to allow them to return to their Muslim culture and traditions, there cannot be a negotiated peace.

yes, the thai military that was being directed by the govt at the time, politicians of all sides are just as responsible for this. Lets hope that what the current govt are doing ends it but we will just have to wait and see, these terrorist groups often talk up peace then start killing when no one is watching for them or another group starts up