Democrat Party leader joins reconciliation talks

BANGKOK, Feb 18 (TNA) -- Former prime minister of Thailand Abhsit Vejjajiva joins talks with the reconciliation preparation committee as head of Democrat Party on Friday, a newly-established panel looks to soliciting opinions from political parties. Democrat Party is among the first nine parties to have attended rounds of talks which began on Tuesday. Spokesman of the sub-committee tasked for soliciting opinions Maj Gen Kongcheep Tantrawanich said useful information and grievances had been gathered before compiling in an initial report. He highlighted some key recommendations being the need to eliminate nepotism in politics and promote political parties’ independence from financial donors that was a root cause of corruption. The sub-committee will hold meetings with other political parties invited in alphabetical order until February 21 before completing a report for the reconciliation committee chaired by Army chief General Chalermchai Sittisart. Democrat leader Abhisit told reporters after the meeting that he urged the junta government to promote public participation and seek reconciliation with the general public, not only among political parties. Reconciliation and strong democratic society can be achieved by the rule of law and mutual respects of all parties, he stressed. (TNA)