Yudhoyono tells Thai PM to lift martial law

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 10/22/2006 10:43 AM

Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged Saturday newly-appointed Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to lift the martial law imposed on his country in order to restore democracy.

Yudhoyono made the call during his meeting with the interim leader, who was on an introductory visit to member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Chulanont was installed by the military following a bloodless coup that ousted billionaire premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

""After communication with other leaders, the President urged the prime minister to lift the martial law immediately,"" said Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda, who attended the meeting.

He said Chulanont was ""willing to consider it, while reminding (us) that there are still security threats post the military coup.""

In his time as the chief security minister during the previous administration, Yudhoyono himself led the imposition of martial law in conflict-riddled Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

The move exacerbated the decades-long armed conflict with the then Free Aceh Movement. A peace deal was reached last year following a series of negotiations and with political concessions.

Hassan said lifting martial law was key to creating a conducive environment in Thailand, particularly after Chulanont vowed to restore democracy by drafting a new constitution, holding a general election next year and rehabilitating civil liberties.

""If Surayud meant what he said, he'd have to lift the martial law first because it was essential to create a conducive setting in the country,"" he said.

Yudhoyono sent early this month a congratulatory message to Bangkok over the installation of Chulanont as the prime minister, while there has been little international criticisms of the Thai military coup.

Yudhoyono spokesperson Dino Patti Djalal said Indonesia recognized Thailand as a nation despite the administration.

During the meeting, Chulanont also offered Yudhoyono help to curtail the spread of bird flu in Indonesia.

Indonesia currently ranks first in the world, with 55 deaths from the lethal virus, while Thailand has reported only 17 fatalities.

Both Yudhoyono and Chulanont also agreed to enhance cooperation in the sectors of trade, investment, energy, fishery as well as food security.

Chulanont also met with House of Representatives Speaker Agung Laksono later in the afternoon before flying back to Bangkok.

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