UK briefed on southern peace process

BANGKOK, Dec 4 (TNA) -- Thailand’s chief of southern peace process briefed representatives from the United Kingdom on the government’s attempts to restore peace in southern border provinces. Gen Aksara Kerdpol, advisor to the prime minister and the peace negotiation chief, met Gen Sir Nicholas Houghton, former chief of the Defence Staff of the British Armed Forces, and Jonathan Powell, former secretary-general of the British prime minister and former Britain’s chief negotiator of the Northern Ireland peace deal. On the occasion, Gen Aksara told them that contexts in the deep South of Thailand were different from those in other countries and the government intended to ensure that all groups of people in southern border provinces could live a peaceful life and prolong their cultures. He said that the government received cooperation from many parties who opposed violence. Gen Aksara also said that the government’s peace negotiation process was free of any area control with weapons or troops. Officers assigned for the peace process were trying to develop trust, discuss the root causes of southern problems, seek cooperation from all concerned parties and work out solutions that complied with the constitution. Gen Aksara expected the next round of peace negotiations to happen soon. The meeting would discuss safety areas in the far South, he said. The representatives of the UK expressed their understanding on Thai government's peace plan and talks process. (TNA)