Safety Zones in deep south agreed

BANGKOK, Jan 15 (TNA) -- Thailand's lead negotiator in peace talks with rebel groups said that an agreement has been reached with the southern insurgent group in a proposal to setup Southern Safety Zones but the Prime Minister will have to give final approval before the selected areas are announced to the public. Gen Aksara Kerdphol, Thailand's lead negotiator in peace talks with rebel groups in the deep south announced the successful conclusion on the setting up of the Safety Zones in the deep south of Thailand. The majority of that time was employed in organising numerous public forums to inform and foster local residents acceptance of the need for such zones. Gen Aksara stated that the government was committed to moving ahead to find a mutual resolution to setup special designated Safety Zones tailored to the south's unique conditions. A prime consideration is a narcotics-free requirement within these zones. At present both parties along with Malaysia who is the facilitator, have been informed of the areas that have been selected for the Safety Zones. However, the Prime Minister must be informed and give his approval before these locations are made public. Following that a period of between 3 - 4 months will be needed to prepare the zones to accommodate all concerns that were raised primarily over territorial as well as personal security protocols. When all these issues have been resolved then the facilitator (Malaysia) will co-sign an agreement to setup a tripartite managed Coordinating Centre and the official announcement of the selected Safety Zones. Public opinions will be welcomed at the centre which in the foreseeable future will be transformed into a Centre for Peace dedicated to peace in the southern provinces. (TNA)