PM turns down UDD´s request to dissolve house

BANGKOK, 15 March 2010 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured that House dissolution will not take place by Monday noon, in response to the request made by the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).

Speaking at the 11th Infantry Regiment, the prime minister gave a press conference to elaborate his refusal to comply with the demand of the UDD after a meeting with leaders and representatives of the coalition parties. He reasoned that the government had come to power via a legitimate parliamentary process in the democratic system under the constitutional monarchy.

Prime Minister Abhisit said the refusal to dissolve the house at present did not mean that the government would not heed demands and opinions of the public, including the UDD. He confirmed that the target of the government was not to stay long in power but to move the nation forward.

The prime minister explained that a fresh election must be held peacefully under the law accepted by all sides, and the answer to such issue could not be made within midday as desired by the UDD.

Prime Minister Abhisit then promised that the government would manage the situation under the security law with respect to the rights of the UDD to move under the constitution. He stressed that the government had no initiatives to provoke violence or disperse the demonstration but would try its best to restore the situation.

The prime minister also voiced concerns with political speeches of the UDD as well as provocation to violence and clashes. He said many points made by the UDD at present were targeting beyond the government.

Meanwhile, thousands of UDD supporters are gathering in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment, and more are marching from their main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge.