THAI WANTS MALAYSIA TO CONTINUE TO HELP BRING PEACE TO SOUTH

By D.Arul Rajoo

BANGKOK, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Thailand has requested Malaysia to continue its
programmes to help the kingdom bring peace, stability and prosperity to the
restive southern provinces.

Defence Minister Pravit Wongsuwan told visiting Chief of Defence Force Gen
Azizan Ariffin that Thailand appreciated the 3E" (Education, Entrepreneurship,
and Employment) initiatives carried out by Malaysia.

Thai and Malaysian officials said Pravit was happy with the commitment and
assistance shown by the Malaysian government and defence forces in the past 50
years in their relationship with their Thai counterparts.

During the meeting, Pravit also told Azizan that he hoped that cooperation
in the southern provinces would be further strengthened when Thai Prime Minister
Abhisit Vejjajiva and his counterpart, Najib Razak, visit the area in December.

"The minister hopes the visit will show both governments' commitment to help
reduce the violence there and bring more confidence among the people," one
official said.

Azizan, who was the Chief of Air Force in the past three years, became the
Defence Forces Chief last September.

During his visit here, he also met his counterpart, Gen Songkitti Jakabatra
and Air Force Chief ACM Itthaporn Subhawong.

According to the officials, Azizan told Pravit that despite the
collaboration on the southern issue, Malaysia had no intention to get involved
in Thailand's internal matters.
"Tan Sri (Azizan) told the minister and high-ranking military officials that
Malaysia would continue with the 3E programmes, such as the Mara training
programmes," a Malaysian official said.

Azizan also proposed to Songkitti that both of them make a visit to the
southern region bordering Malaysia prior to the visit by the two prime
ministers.

More than 3,600 people had died in daily violence in the Muslim majority
provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani since separatist groups resumed their
armed campaign in January, 2004, to seek independence.
-- BERNAMA