IPU PRESIDENT CALLS ON THAI PARLIAMENTARIANS TO ASSUME
THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN A NEGOTIATED SOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT

The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, has called for an immediate end to the violence in Bangkok and a negotiated solution to the conflict.  "Conflicts in society, however intractable they may seem, cannot be solved through violence.  Only dialogue, negotiations and compromise can bring lasting solutions", stated the IPU President.  "Violence has no place in democratic societies."

The President recalled that the global parliamentary community had met in Bangkok barely a month ago during the 122nd IPU Assembly.  The overall theme for the assembly had been Parliament at the heart of political reconciliation and good governance."  The theme was not selected at random, stated the IPU President.  It had been chosen precisely because of the significance it has for Thailand and many other countries in the region and beyond.

"During a week of debates we examined the central role that parliaments have in ensuring political reconciliation," stated the IPU President.  "Every parliament must lead by example.  We have been elected by people to represent them in parliament and are repositories of the public trust.  We have a constitutional responsibility to represent people, to give voice to their aspirations and to ensure that public policy reflects their interests.  In the case of Thailand, I can safely say that the Thai people are asking for peace and an end to the violence."

"I therefore call on all our friends in the Thai parliament to assume their responsibilities and to do their part in ending the conflict.  I am asking every one of them to join me in calling publicly for an end to the violence and in urging the demonstrators in the streets to end their occupation and help restore law and order in the country.  I am also asking them to commit themselves to working together in parliament in a constructive spirit to identify the components of a just solution that can satisfy the demands of all sectors of Thai society."

The IPU President concluded his statement by offering the services of the IPU to the Thai Parliament.  "We are at your disposal to share our experience and knowledge.  We would be honoured to be invited to accompany you as you grapple with the task before you of bringing peace and justice to Thailand and its wonderful people."