ASEAN Calls on Thailand For Quick Resolution of Conflict
16/04/2010 01:19
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has offered its assistance to Thailand on the resolution of its lingering political conflict with the 'Red Shirts' protesters loyal to the ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called on fellow member Thailand to seek a quick renegotiated settlement of the country's lingering political conflict through dialogue and reconciliation. At the same time, the ASEAN has offered its assistance to Thailand in its bid to put an end to the political turmoil in its capital city of Bangkok.
mb.com.ph reports:
In a statement, ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan said that the 10-member regional bloc “stands ready to extend any appropriate support to help diffuse the situation without interfering into internal affairs of Thailand, if requested.” The ASEAN Secretary General likewise called on all Thai parties for an amicable settlement on the issue.
“The situation is affecting the confidence in the security and stability in the region and if it is left to fester and escalate, it could lead to more violence and loss of lives. This will tarnish the good reputation of Thailand as a peace-loving nation, and of Thailand as a source of prosperity and stability in the ASEAN region,” Surin warned.
The on-going political standoff in Thailand has claimed at least 24 lives and injured hundreds as 'Red Shirts' militants loyal to ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra continue to press their demand for the ouster of current Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajjiva and the dissolution of the parliament.
(original article appeared @ Digital Journal )