The Thai government yesterday rejected a proposal for peace talks with leaders of the Red Shirt protesters to end the deadly mayhem gripping Bangkok, saying negotiations cannot start until the protesters disperse.
The decision dashed hopes of stemming the crisis after five days of violence that has left 38 people dead and thousands of Red Shirts remain camped behind barricades to press their demand for quick national elections.
Cabinet minister Satit Wonghnongtaey quoted Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as saying he welcomed negotiations but that “talks will happen only after the protest has ended.”
The televised comments came in response to an offer made earlier in the day by Red Shirt protest leaders, who said they would unconditionally accept an offer by the country’s Senate to mediate between the two sides. The protesters’ acceptance was significant, since they had previously set conditions for any talks.
Satit said Abhisit asked the Senate to maintain contact with Red Shirt leaders and urge them to end their protest.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the military to stop firing live ammunition in its bid to suppress the protest.
“The government cannot allow soldiers to essentially shoot at anyone within an area it wishes to control,” London-based Amnesty said in a statement, adding it was “unacceptable under international law and standards, which provide that firearms may be used only as a last resort.”
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