Thailand: Call For Prompt Return to Democracy

Annan Calls For ‘Prompt Return To Democratic Rule’ Following The Coup In Thailand

New York, Sep 20 2006 7:00PM

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called for a “prompt return to civilian, democratic rule” and elections as soon as possible in Thailand following the military coup that ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

“The Secretary-General is following with concern developments in Thailand after the overthrow of the elected Government there,” Mr. Annan said in a statement released by his spokesman in New York.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to the progress the people of Thailand have made in recent years, under the leadership of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in establishing and strengthening democratic institutions. He expresses his profound hope that those efforts will resume very soon.”

Prime Minister Thaksin had been scheduled to address the annual debate of the General Assembly in New York yesterday but his appearance was cancelled following the coup.

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