Red Shirts demand exact date for dissolution of parliament

Bangkok, May 5 (ANI): Red Shirt leaders have demanded that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit set an exact date for the dissolution of parliament in line with his national 'reconciliation' plan before they cease their agitation.

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or the Red Shirts have agreed to be party to the compromise proposed by the Prime Minister, but were guarded in their response.

They are unconvinced about the government's unity and sincerity in offering a roadmap.

Abhisit has offered to hold a general election on Nov 14 as part of the plan which comes with five conditions.

But UDD leaders questioned the poll date offer, saying only the Election Commission had the authority to set an election date, not the prime minister.

"We want the government to come up with a clear and definite resolution on when exactly the House will be dissolved," Bangkok Post quoted UDD leader Natthawut Saikua as saying.

The government must allow Red Shirt supporters to travel freely to join protests in Bangkok and elsewhere, Mr Natthawut said. Media freedom to report on protests must also be restored.

Agreeing with talks on the road map does not mean the group wanted to trade this with an amnesty for charges against them over an alleged plot to overthrow the monarchy and terrorism, the UDD leaders insisted.

A source with the UDD told Bangkok Post that the protest leaders were reluctant to embrace the road map, but they knew they would be criticised by the public and so agreed have to offer a broad acceptance. (ANI)