PM pledges full participation of parties in charter drafting

BANGKOK, Oct 25 (TNA) - In an apparent move to build a cooperative relationship with politicians and political parties amid pressures for the lifting the ban on political gatherings, Thailand's interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Wednesday held a luncheon meeting with almost all Thai political party leaders, listening to their voices regarding the nation's current situation, pledging to fully open opportunities for them to participate in drafting a new charter.

The two-hour luncheon meeting, held at Baan Phitsanulok, the prime minister's official residence, was the first of its kind since Gen. Surayud assumed the premiership early this month.

The meeting was attended by 42 of the total of 43 Thai political party leaders, excepting for only one absentee--Maj-Gen. Sanan Khajornprasart, leader of the Mahachon party, who is now on an overseas trip.

Speaking after the meeting, Gen. Sarayud said it was an informal meeting designed to seek advice from the political parties, particularly regarding the drafting of a new constitution.

Any parties can freely voice their views on the issue, he said. Initially, the parties can submit their written recommendations to the government and formal discussion on their recommendations will follow.

In the meeting, Gen. Surayud said, acting Thai Rak Thai party leader Chaturon Chaisang proposed the good recommendation that the dissolved 1997 constitution be used as a guideline for writing the new charter. By doing, Mr. Chaturon said, the drafting process will be made easier.

In response to many calls for political leniency, the prime minister said that he informed the meeting that the cabinet had resolved to amend Order No. 7, issued by the now-defunct Council for Democratic Reform (CDR) on its seizure of power September 19, banning assemblies of more than five people for political purposes.

The proposed amendment will be forwarded to the National Legislative Assembly for consideration and approval.

"I told them the government would try to push for this leniency as soon as possible," the prime minister said. "I think it could be done by early November."

Asked if the political party leaders queried regarding lifting of martial law, the prime minister said it was discussed and that he had told the meeting consideration of lifting martial law will take place as soon as possible pending national stability making it possible.

The meeting was conducted in an amicable manner, the prime minister said, and he and the party leaders also discussed cooperation on other issues in which all parties will be given the opportunity to participate as much as possible.

"Today's meeting was to ensure that I have no hidden agenda or anything hidden," the prime minister said. "I told the meeting that I really needed their serious cooperation."

TNA

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont meets with political leaders yesterday at his Phitsanulok residence. Flanking him are Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, left, and Chat Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa.