Thai security official: Narathiwat bombing won’t affect peace talks

BANGKOK, February 22 (TNA) - Friday’s bombing incident in Thailand’s southern province of Narathiwat, which wounded up to 17 people, would not impact any upcoming peace talks between the government and rebel groups, said Anusit Kunakorn, secretary-general of National Security Council. Admitting that prevention of violence in the deep South was difficult, Anusit said some insurgent groups operating in the area and several groups still did not want negotiations to take place. However, he said eventually peace negotiations would proceed, adding that General Aksara Kerdpol, advisory chairman of the Army, was preparing the next steps for the restarting talks. Meanwhile, Gothom Arya, director of the Peace Studies Centre at Mahidol University, said the recent march along the streets in Yala province, near Narathiwat, urging Thai authorities to designate a safety zone for children suffering from the long-running insurgency in the region had made positive results. Gothom said he had obtained useful information concerning building peace in the region after he had met with communities in Narathiwat, saying the info could be shared and used to help reduce mistrust between Thai Buddhists and Thai Muslims, and officials in the area. He also said that areas including temples, schools and mosques should be designated safety zones, and that the new round of peace talks should be held before the Muslims observe the Ramadan fasting month, which usually takes place in July. (TNA)