Thai Government Reiterates Commitment To Southern Peace Talks

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Oct 2 (Bernama) – The Thai government has reiterated its commitment to the peace process with MARA Patani (Patani Consultative Council) and will hold another round of talks following the completion of the royal cremation ceremony at the end of this month. According to its chief negotiator, Gen Aksara Kerdphol, both parties were ready and willing to negotiate on the establishment of Safety Zones (SZ) during their next round of peace talks. "I went (to Kuala Lumpur recently) to reiterate to the facilitator and convey the message to the dialogue partner about our commitment to the ongoing peace talks and the Safety Zone issue," he told Bernama when contacted, here, Sunday. Malaysia has been the facilitator for the peace talks, with Kuala Lumpur being the host. The Thai government and MARA Patani have been trying to broker an agreement on the establishment of Safety Zones in southern Thailand during their latest rounds of negotiation in Kuala Lumpur, but failed due to some differences. The royal cremation ceremony for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will begin on Oct 25 and continue until Oct 29. -- BERNAMA