US urges swift restoration of Thai democracy

WASHINGTON, Sep 20 (Reuters) The United States urged a quick restoration of democracy in Thailand today, saying there was no justification for a military coup.

Washington said it would move forward on a free trade agreement only after democracy was restored. The trade deal has been under negotiation for more than two years.

One day after staging the bloodless coup to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Thai army chief said the coup leaders would choose a new prime minister within two weeks.

''We're disappointed in the coup. We hope those who mounted it will make good and make good swiftly on their promises to restore democracy,'' said White House spokesman Tony Snow as he returned to Washington from New York with President George W Bush, who had spoken at the UN General Assembly yesterday The State Department said there was no justification for a military coup and the United States would review aspects of its relationship with Thailand.

''We very much urge that democratic elections be held as soon as possible,'' State Department spokesman Tom Casey said.

''There are also consequences when these kinds of actions take place. Obviously in light of what's happened, in light of this coup, there are aspects of our relationship that we are going to have to review,'' Casey said without specifying what those were.

Snow said the United States would be willing to move forward on a free trade agreement with Thailand only after democracy was restored.

US and Thai negotiators last held a formal round of talks on the proposed free trade deal in January. US Trade Representative Susan Schwab and Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak agreed in July to hold informal consultations on resuming the talks.

Snow said he did not believe Bush had any contact at the United Nations with Thaksin or any other Thai officials.

Thaksin was in New York for the General Assembly when the coup took place yesterday, and flew to London today.

REUTERS PB VC2350