Chiang Mai (Mizzima) – Thailand’s government, following a call by the Burmese junta, has agreed to hold talks with the Karen National Union concerning their participation in Burma’s general election scheduled for 2010.
Kasit Piromya, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said during his visit to Burma on Monday after meeting with Burmese Prime Minister Thein Sein and Foreign Minister Nyan Win, that Burma’s military rulers had asked the Thai government to meet with representatives of the warring ethnic party.
“The KNU has not yet been involved in the junta’s national reconciliation plan. If the talks succeed, it is expected they could solve the problems along the Thailand – Burma border too,” according to Kasit in a telephone interview with the National News Bureau of Thailand.
However, for reasons of national security, exact plans for discussions have not yet been revealed, Kasit said.
The Karen Nation Union and Shan State Army, having rejected the junta-backed seven step road map to democracy, are the principle armed factions continuing to wage war against the central government.
Concerning the coming general election, which the Burmese junta plans to hold in 2010, Kasit said that the Burmese government and opposition parties are currently exploring common solutions that will allow for wide ranging participation.
However, numerous voices within the international community have expressed doubt that the 2010 election will fairly allow for the participation of all parties.
Kasit further spoke on the Rohingya issue in Thailand, stating that he invited Burmese authorities to verify the nationality of the asylum seekers to facilitate speedy repatriation.
Thailand, however, denies allegations of ill-treating the Rohingya boatpeople.
Kasit said investigations are being held with the boatpeople on a regular basis and that Thailand is focusing on providing humanitarian assistance to these people.
He further added that a controversial four billion baht (114 million US$) loan from the Thailand Export and Import Bank to the Burmese government during the term of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra has been repaid through the Thai Embassy in Burma. “The corruption on this case is [the only remaining issue and] Thailand’s problem,” he articulated.
Kasit made his introductory two-day visit to Burma on Sunday and Monday, discussing bilateral issues and laying the groundwork for an official visit from Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
He also discussed means to expedite collaborative projects between the two countries, including further assistance to the victims of Cyclone Nargis.
