BANGKOK, 29 April 2014 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra indicated on Monday that all parties should allow Abhisit Vejjajiva to attempt his mediation of current political conflicts, and that the government was open to beneficial collaborations.
Responding to reporters posing questions on the sincerity of Democrat Party leader Abhisit’s current effort to seek an exit strategy for the nation, Ms. Yingluck said that Mr. Abhisit must be allowed time to carry out his work.
Asked about Mr. Abhisit’s proposal for dialogues to be broadcast live, Ms. Yingluck said no official scheduling has been submitted by the Democrat party leader.
Asked whether Mr. Abhisit should first speak to People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban before conferring with the government, Ms. Yingluck said it would be a good idea as Mr. Abhisit was an appropriate figure to hold discussions with Mr. Suthep. She said she hoped the two could come up with jointly-held ideas after such talks.
The prime minister noted that Mr. Abhisit should be a more appropriate initiator of talks with Mr. Suthep than other candidates. She also played down the relevance of the extent of Mr. Abhisit’s sincerity in his endeavor, saying time must be given to Mr. Abhisit and all parties should pitch in to help pull the country through the current hurdles.
