PM urges all parties to support reconciliation plan

BANGKOK, May 6 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday urged all parties to support his five-point road map to restore national reconciliation, but said there will be no House dissolution if the Reds don’t accept the plan.

The prime minister made his remarks following criticism and pressure from many political factions over his road map for reconciliation and the planned new election in November.

The Red Shirts although accepted Mr Abhisit’s road map, but continued to pressure him to announce a specific date for the House dissolution, threatening to stay on in Bangkok’s prime commercial area of Ratchaprasong.

Although the ruling Democrat Party resolved to support the premier’s road map, Red Shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said Thursday evening that the protest leaders have not yet discussed their position, claiming they are waiting for Mr Abhisit to clarify the issue with other groups.

The ‘Yellow Shirt’ People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Thursday read the group’s position statement condemning the premier for proposing the reconciliation road map and urged him to drop the plan or resign from his post.

As the PAD announced its objection to the road map, the premier invited top Yellow Shirt leaders to discuss the plan to create better understanding.

“The Reds seemed to accept the proposed plan, but were struggling on (their own) management. The government is waiting to see their clear position,” the prime minister said after meeting with the Yellow Shirts’ leaders.

“However, if they stated clearly that they shut the door for reconciliation, then the proposed House dissolution will be dropped and the government will press ahead with building national reconciliation, enforcing the law as well as resolving the prolonged protest at Ratchaprasong which will not cause a heavy loss.”

The Multi-Coloured Shirt group who earlier gathered to show their support for Mr Abhisit also disagreed with the premier’s plan to dissolve Parliament.

Group leader Dr Tul Sitthisomwong is scheduled to talk with Mr Abhisit Friday morning.

Mr Abhisit conceded, as asked by young participants of the Democrat Party youth programme, that he felt tired in dealing with resolving the ongoing conflict, but asserted he will make decisions based on reason, not emotion.

Saying his five-pronged road map may not appease all groups, Mr Abhisit reasserted the decision was made not for himself nor for the anti-government protesters but for national reconciliation and the whole country with a number of conditions being taken into account.

The prime minister said he is willing to take responsibility if his road map is unable to deliver its intended result, adding that he will continue to try to create better understanding regarding the reconciliation plan with all groups and will resolve the problem as soon as possible.

“Neither prime minister nor government wants to leave the post before their terms expire or shorten their administration period,” Mr Abhisit said. “I want all parties support in what I am doing because it’s for the national interest.”

Amid rumours that the Red Shirt leaders will be granted amnesty, the premier assured the public he will not reconcile with any law violators and no amnesty will be granted, adding that his road map will allow the security authorities to arrest terrorists more easily.

“If it fails, I have to take responsibility. I have to go home,” said Mr Abhisit.

The prime minister added that his life is in danger and that he must accept this condition of living for a certain period because the conflict is so serious.

He said if such situation remains unsolved, it will also pose a threat to the lives of politicians and everyday people as well. So he has the obligation to bring the country out of this crisis as soon as possible. (TNA)