Kasit not to pressure EU for Thaksin´s extradition

BANGKOK, 29 May 2010 (NNT) – Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya says he will not pressure the European Union (EU) to extradite self-exiled ex- Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a trial on terrorism charges in Thailand.

Speaking on Saturday on government’s issue with Mr Thaksin’s dual nationalities, Mr Kasit stated that the Prime Minister had earlier made it clear that the process would be conducted based on the rule of law. He refused to give comments upon the Interpol’s statement denying contact being made by the Thai government, suggesting the correspondents to ask the Police Bureau instead.

Asked if Mr Thaksin’s case would affect bilateral ties between Thailand and Montenegro, Mr Kasit denied as sufficient evidences and related documents had been sent to Montenegro and that the Thai diplomats in Hungary had constantly been tasked to collaborate with Montenegrin Government. Therefore, the Montenegro’s claim of insufficient evidence provided by the Thai government is impossible. However, the Thai government is always ready to provide further documents if requested.

Mr Kasit stated that in order to become a part of the EU, Montenegrin government should not fail to follow the EU regulations particularly the concepts of good governance, righteousness, transparency and the country’s opposition to corruptions. Montenegro is being questioned whether the accommodations and nationality granted for Mr Thaksin would affect the country’s credibility in the eyes of the world.

In addition, Mr Kasit refused to use EU as a tool to pressure Montenegrin government for Mr Thaksin’s extradition, stating the issue was negotiable between Thailand and Montenegro.