RATCHAPRASONG, MAY 10, 2010: After several days of internal discussions leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) today responded to the five-point road map of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
UDD secretary-general, Natthawut Saikua said the groups two-month long rally has constantly used peaceful methods to bring about social change to Thailand and this approach will not change.
Describing the rally as “an historic struggle”… “the first led by ordinary people” he said the red-shirt rally was now recorded in [Thai] history. While the red-shirts had used peaceful methods in its attempt to bring about change, Mr. Natthawut said the government had embarked on a campaign of violence, lies, defamation and censorship in an attempt to discredit the movement and fool the people.
“We do not want violence. We do not want any additional injuries and deaths no matter who causes them. We are sincere in embracing the Prime Ministers road map and unanimously accept it. This is a complex situation that has been years in the making”, he said.
Mr. Natthawut said the unanimous decision of the core UDD leaders is that they accept the November 14 election date proposed by the Prime Minister.
However, Mr. Natthawut said the violence of April 10 had resulted in the deaths of 25 red-shirt protesters and injuries to more than 800 others.
“We are accused of being terrorists. We have not asked for amnesty and are prepared to fight the charges laid against us through the courts. If we are declared guilty and receive the death penalty, we accept it. But Abhisit and Suthep must face the same court process and accept the same fate if found guilty.
“This is not to raise bargaining conditions. This will be a historic case because in the past wrongdoers have received amnesties.
“Abhisit has parliamentary immunity, but Suthep does not. We therefore call on the police to request an arrest warrant on charges of ordering murder
“The leaders have unanimously agreed that we will end our rally on the same day that Suthep gives himself up to the police.
“Next, the UDD is ready to end our rally to enter the roadmap process, but PTV must go back on the air at the same time. Stop interfering with our TV signal and get us back on the air immediately”, he added.
According to Mr. Natthawut the use of the state of emergency (SOE) is a pressure tactic from the government. “If the government thinks it can continue it must explain it to the people and face their wrath.”
Mr. Natthawut said the red-shirts “are determined to work with all segments of Thai society to work towards reconciliation and a democratic election, but, at the same time, there must be an independent agency established to investigate violent incidents that is acceptable to everyone”.
Describing the decision to end the protest rally as “a difficult one”, Mr. Natthawut said “the leaders felt it was the only way to avoid further deaths and injuries”.
“No one group should claim victory. This should be a victory for the entire country. We are sorry for problems we have caused, but we ask for understanding for why our actions were necessary”, he added.
Today is day 56 of the red-shirts pro-democracy protest against the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the 36th day protesters have occupied the Ratchaprasong shopping precinct in the heart of Bangkok.
Redphanfa2day's Blog 
Come on why don’t you admit to the violence, thats the whole idea of reconciliation, admit your wrongs on both sides and move on. Or you don’t want this to end, you have been violent, you have been inciting violence. Arismans bring a litre bottle speach, threats of turning bangkok into the south if the Gov tries to disperse you. Honesty has to come from both sides, Kwanchais attack on the 1st Infantry head quarters on the 10th April was not Peaceful, your invasion of Parliament was not Peaceful, Thaicom was not Peaceful, media has seen this, yes even the foreign media as well. To constantly say you have not been violent is not the truth, the whole truth.
To fix this everyone has to be honest, everyone can see Democarcy is not thriving here but with your actions you can only alienate more people, holding the city to ransom will not solve your problems, who ever is bombing will not solve the problem, only through taking a step forward can this be solved and today you seemed to want to take a step back and as Jutaporn says continue fighting. Another sad day for Thailand and the True believers in Democracy.
Comment by BlueStar — May 10, 2010 @ 10:50 pm |