House dissolution or resignation can’t end political turmoil : PM
Written by Writer on Monday, October 13th, 2008
House dissolution or resignation can’t end political turmoil: PM
BANGKOK (TNA) - Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he was not a person who is overly attached to position and prestige, and he would be pleased, and willing to resign from his post, or dissolve Parliament if doing so would bring the end to the political turmoil.
In a nationally-televised address Sunday night, the premier spoke for 15 minutes to explain to the public his view about the current political situation.
The premier said he was willing to dissolve the parliament or even resign from the post if it could lead the kingdom out of political deadlock.
However, he said he was unsure that a House dissolution or his resignation could really end the crisis.
Mr. Somchai called on all parties to join together to find a solution that is generally accepted, and asked that all work together as many tasks are awaiting completion, especially the royal cremation of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana next month.
After that the goverment and public must prepare for HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday anniversary on December 5, the prime minister said.
The government also must hold the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit later this year, he added.
One challenging problem is the looming economic crisis in response to the global financial crisis, starting in the United States, had severe impact worldwide, he said, adding that the country have to prepare for the crisis.
Mr. Somchai said that he regretted over police violence against the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters last Tuesday that left two people dead and over 400 injured.
He said the goverment was setting up two panel - the investigation committee to investigate the incident and another panel to provide assistance to the victims.
It was reported that Preecha Panichwong, former Supreme Court vice-president, had agreed to chair the investigation committee while Deputy Prime Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul would chair the committee to provide assistance to the victims.
Mr. Somchai said that the public have different ideas and held many gatherings to express their views but such rallies must be carried out under the law.
He stressed that sometimes protesters violated the laws and he requested the demonstrators to stay within the legal framework and to respect the rights of other people.
The prime minister also called on the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters to return Government House to the government after the PAD supporters raided and encamped in the Government House compound since late August.
Meanwhile, at the PAD stage at Government House, PAD core leader Somsak Kosaisuk expressed his opposition to the prime minister’s plan to set up investigation panel.
He said the government had ordered the attack on the people and setting up the probe panel was only a cover
up of the truth.
Another PAD core leader, Sonthi Limthongkul, said the PAD has postpone the planned to rally in front of the National Police Bureau scheduled on Monday as the cremation of a victim who died from the violence would be held on Monday.
The PAD core leaders would discuss to set the date later, he said. (TNA)
