BANGKOK, July 24 — The ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Brussels issued a joint statement demanding that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) quickly restore democracy in Thailand.
After presenting situations in Thailand to the meeting, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Thai permanent secretary and acting minister of foreign affairs, said representatives of 28 member countries in the meeting, especially those of Britain and Australia, expressed understanding and satisfaction with his presentation.
“The meeting expects Thailand will have democracy soon and resume its important roles in its region. They will follow up situations in Thailand closely and are ready to develop partnership with Thailand,” Mr Sihasak said.
He also said that Thailand proposed its relations with the European Union (EU) proceed in the manner that both sides respect each other’s internal solutions.
After their meeting, ASEAN and EU foreign ministers issued the joint statement.
In part it said they acknowledged Mr Sihasak’s explanaion and the NCPO’s intention to introduce democracy in Thailand under its three-stage roadmap and to work out national reconciliation, national reform and a fair election in specified timeframes.
The EU foreign ministers emphasized their demand for the restoration of democracy and credible elections in Thailand.
