Democrat Leader Says Rule Of Law Crucial

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has criticised the so-called unity pact at the heart of the government's effort to forge national reconciliation while stressing the need to uphold the rule of law.

Mr Abhisit said he disagreed with the proposed unity agreement stipulating what politicians must or must not do.

"It will be useless because no one can guarantee anything," the former prime minister said. In a similar way, the military often says they will not stage a coup, and when they do they often cite certain needs and circumstances to justify their actions anyway, Mr Abhisit said.

The Democrat leader, along with party executives, yesterday met with a subcommittee gathering politicians' views on national unity chaired by permanent secretary for defence Gen Chaicharn Changmongkol at the Defence Ministry.

The subcommittee is among three subcommittees set up by a government committee on national reconciliation chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

The government began discussions on national reconciliation with politicians on Valentine's Day, with a set of 10 topics for politicians to contribute ideas regarding how national unity can be achieved.

About 70 political parties will be invited for talks with the subcommittee in alphabetical order. Some small and medium-sized parties have already met for talks since Valentine's Day.

The talks will extend over three months, after which there would be a draft reconciliation agreement drawn up.

After the talks with the subcommittee yesterday, Mr Abhisit stressed that upholding the rule of law is crucial to democracy and said that offenders, particularly those involved in corruption must get through the justice system.

On the government's effort to promote unity, Mr Abhisit said that the aim of the unity bid is to promote harmonious coexistence among groups that have different political views.

If the government can convince them that its unity bid will ease the conflict, they will likely lend their support, Mr Abhisit said.

Speaking after yesterday's talks, Defence Ministry spokesman Kongcheep Tantrawanit said that several parties had been cooperative and provided useful ideas on how to achieve national unity.

Apart from the Democrat Party, parties that have attended the discussions on national reconciliation include Thai Ruam Palang, Prachakorn Thai Party and the Chartthaipattana Party.

Army chief Chalermchai Sittisat said the army will also gather input from people and various groups in the provinces nationwide.

Local officials, civil groups, private organisations, as well as students in the provinces will be invited to share their views on how national reconciliation should proceed, Gen Chalermchai added.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN AND WASSANA NANUAM

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