Martial law can't be lifted yet, PM tells Indonesian leader

JAKARTA: -- Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told Indonesian president Saturday that his country's martial law will be lifted as soon as a greater degree of stability returns to Thailand .

This issue emerged in talks during the one-day official visit to Jakarta of Gen. Surayud during which he called on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Gen. Surayud was accompanied by several Thai Cabinet ministers including Energy Minister Piyasavasti Amranand, Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet and Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gen. Surayud said he briefed the Indonesian president on how the Thai government is working towards national unity and reconciliation, as well as efforts to end violence in the southern border region.

Gen. Surayud praised Indonesia's efforts to restore peace in Aceh, saying that Thailand is learning from Indonesia's peace-making efforts.

The Thai prime minister, who has been touring ASEAN capitals after his appointment, said he briefed the Indonesian president on the "frank discussions" he had with the Malaysian leader concerning the troubles in Thailand's restive south.

"I have asked the Indonesian president to contribute to the peace-making effort in the south by talking to other Islamic nations within the framework of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, similar to what Malaysia has offered to do," Gen. Surayud said.

During a plenary session between the visiting Thai and Indonesian ministers, both sides agreed to focus cooperation on energy and technical assistance in the areas of energy, agriculture and fisheries.

Gen. Surayud said he told the Indonesian leader that the martial law which has been in place in Thailand for over a month will be lifted upon assurance that the situation in regions outside Bangkok is stablised, and the sooner that happens, the better.

The Thai prime minister has been to Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia as part of his tour of Southeast Asia. He is scheduled visit the Philippines and Vietnam next week.

--TNA 2006-10-21

Martial law can't be lifted yet, PM tells Indonesian leader

JAKARTA: -- Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told Indonesian president Saturday that his country's martial law will be lifted as soon as a greater degree of stability returns to Thailand .

This issue emerged in talks during the one-day official visit to Jakarta of Gen. Surayud during which he called on Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Gen. Surayud was accompanied by several Thai Cabinet ministers including Energy Minister Piyasavasti Amranand, Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet and Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gen. Surayud said he briefed the Indonesian president on how the Thai government is working towards national unity and reconciliation, as well as efforts to end violence in the southern border region.

Gen. Surayud praised Indonesia's efforts to restore peace in Aceh, saying that Thailand is learning from Indonesia's peace-making efforts.

The Thai prime minister, who has been touring ASEAN capitals after his appointment, said he briefed the Indonesian president on the "frank discussions" he had with the Malaysian leader concerning the troubles in Thailand's restive south.

"I have asked the Indonesian president to contribute to the peace-making effort in the south by talking to other Islamic nations within the framework of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, similar to what Malaysia has offered to do," Gen. Surayud said.

During a plenary session between the visiting Thai and Indonesian ministers, both sides agreed to focus cooperation on energy and technical assistance in the areas of energy, agriculture and fisheries.

Gen. Surayud said he told the Indonesian leader that the martial law which has been in place in Thailand for over a month will be lifted upon assurance that the situation in regions outside Bangkok is stablised, and the sooner that happens, the better.

The Thai prime minister has been to Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia as part of his tour of Southeast Asia. He is scheduled visit the Philippines and Vietnam next week.

--TNA 2006-10-21

One month? Is that possible? It was supposed to be for 2 weeks only ............