UN chief calls for peace in Thailand

BANGKOK, December 18 (TNA) - Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul says that UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for peace in Thailand. In his address before the end of 2013, Surapong told the public through a press conference on Wednesday that Ban mentioned the situation in Thailand and urged all parties to refrain from violence and agreed with the Thai government’s decision to relieve tensions. Surapong, who is also Director of the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), acknowledged that 50 countries have expressed their concerns over the political situation in Thailand from December 9-16, and that latest statements on the issue have come from India, Sri Lanka and the UN chief. According to the caretaker deputy prime minister, the spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that India was aware of the situation in Thailand and supported Thailand in maintaining the rule of law, negotiations which comply with the Constitution and democratic processes to restore national order. Sri Lanka stated that it was following up developments in Thailand, supported negotiations and encouraged concerned parties to adhere to democracy and to serve people's demands. The caretaker deputy premier noted that foreign countries do not want Thailand to go off a proper track.(TNA)