Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kasit warns PAD, rejects demands

27 Jan, 2011
Source: Bangkok Post

Political protesters should not link foreign affairs with domestic politics, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said on Thursday.

"My duty is to strengthen foreign relations, not to make war," Mr Kasit said.

The minister said he rejected the three demands of the yellow-shirt People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The PAD wants the government to withdraw from the Unesco World Heritage Committee, revoke the memorandum of understanding on the Thai-Cambodian border signed in 2000, and drive out Cambodian people from disputed border areas.

Mr Kasit called on PAD leaders to end their protest outside Government House.

"I give you 100 per cent assurance that we will not lose any land as long as negotiations are continuing.

"We should not let our emotions drive our actions, as Thai businesses have been affected. The sale of Thai products in Cambodia is down to 60 or 70 per cent," Mr Kasit said.

He planned to visit Cambodia on Feb 3-4 to attend the 7th Thai-Cambodian Joint Border Commission meeting in Siem Reap. He would also visit yellow-shirt activist Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon, who are being held in Prey Sar prison on spying charges.

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