UN chief urges dialogue to resolve political differences in Thailand

BANGKOK, November 28 (TNA) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all parties in Thailand to respect the rule of law, refrain from violence and resolve their differences through genuine dialogue and peaceful means. Expressing his concerns over rising political tensions in Thailand, Ban said in a statement in New York, released on Wednesday evening (local time), that he has followed closely the updated situation in the country over the past few weeks and would like to call on all parties to exercise their utmost restraint, refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the rule of law and human rights. Ban welcomed the Thai government's assurances that it will continue respecting the rights of people to hold peaceful demonstrations. The UN secretary-general, however, expressed his concerns over recent reports that Thai government offices were occupied by demonstrators. The UN chief, therefore, strongly encouraged all concerned parties to resolve their differences through genuine dialogue and peaceful means. (TNA)