BRN's Statement 'A Positive Development', Says Senior Leader

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, April 13 (Bernama) -- Barisan Revolusi Nasional's (BRN) recent statement is seen as a positive development that the group is not directly opposed to the peace process in southern Thailand. Dr Abu Hafez Al Hakim, one of the senior leaders of Mara Patani (Patani Syura Council) said, whether the new development had any effect depended on the willingness of BRN to send its representatives to the discussion table. "BRN's press release is a positive development that it does not rule out the peace process if it is based on the terms and conditions outlined," he told Bernama in his personal capacity Wednesday. BRN is seen to be the most influential and capable group in southern Thailand, and its involvement in the peace process has been sought to solve the crisis in the restive region. In a statement on Sunday, the group outlined three demands for the peace process to go through, namely, it must be based on the willingness of both parties; the appointment of a neutral mediator; and the negotiation process must be organised by the consultant and agreed upon in advance before it begins. Abu Hafez said BRN representatives were also participating in the negotiations at the moment, and they needed to coordinate with representatives of other groups to bring change and improvement. Mara Patani - a body comprising several groups from southern Thailand - and the Thai Government are currently involved in a peace process handled by the Malaysian Government. The two sides have been engaged in a series of negotiations and at the end of February, they agreed to establish security zones in southern Thailand although the details are still being finalised. According to Abu Hafez, it is unlikely that any agreement between the Thai Government and Mara Patani will take place in the near future as there is still much to be discussed. "Any agreement in the future will certainly involve all stakeholders, including the Thai Government, representatives of the fighters, and also the local people," he said, adding it was the only way progress could be made to bring about change and peace. -- BERNAMA