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Thai PM, red-shirt core leaders start direct negotiation

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva held direct talks on March 28 with leaders of anti-government protests after weeks of demonstrations taking place in the capital city.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva held direct talks on March 28 with leadersof anti-government protests after weeks of demonstrations taking place in thecapital city.

The negotiation took place at the King Prajadhipok’sInstitute and was broadcast live on the state television.

During thetalks, PM Abhisit once again rejected the demands of the United Front forDemocracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders that he dissolve Parliament andcall new elections.

Talks with the “red-shirt” leaders are taken as asolution of PM Abhisit to build peace and defuse deepening tensions and violenceas there were many scattered attacks targeting government agencies and militaryforces since the mass rallies started in Bangkok on March 12.

Red-shirtprotesters started to leave the 11 th Infantry Barracks to go back to Phan Fahbridge – the place where demonstrators gathered, near the political centre inBangkok, after PM Abhisit agreed to enter into the negotiation.

Thaiauthorities said an advance team of some 5,000 protesters clad in red hadgathered in front of the regimental headquarters the same day to support the UDDcall the night before for direct talks with the prime minister./.
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