BANGKOK, Sept 7- Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is attending an international meeting today at Prince of Songkhla University on procedures for building peace in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
The meeting is also being attended by former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Mr Abhisit said before leaving Bangkok for Songkhla where the meeting is being held that he wants to point out conflicts and violence in the region which still cannot be handled such as those concerning religion, nationality and historic conflicts or even different political opinions.
To resolve the problems, they cannot be seen as only security issues. Most problems also involve unfair law enforcement, lack of respect for individual rights and basic principles of democracy.
He said participation and understanding of the root cause of the problems is important to tackle the problems. Political leaders must be determined to push forward these measures to be implemented.
Mr Abhisit said he would discuss Thailand’s southern violence and political conflicts. ASEAN should play a role in resolving the problems between ASEAN members while domestic problems can be helped by ASEAN upon the request of that particular country.
