Thai envoy promises UN quick return to democracy

United Nations, Sept 28: The coup in Thailand will not affect its foreign policy, a Thai diplomat assured world governments, saying a new constitution and elected government would be in place within a year.

''With the resilience of the Thai society, you can be assured that Thailand will emerge as a stronger and more vibrant democracy.

We will ensure a swift return to democracy with a definite timeline,'' Thailand's ambassador to the United Nations, Khunying Laohaphan, told the UN General Assembly yesterday.

An interim constitution, to be put in place in the coming days, would ensure full civil liberties and human rights, she said, adding that a new civilian government also would be in place ''within the coming days.'' ''We can well expect that one of the first tasks of the new civilian government will be to do away with martial law,'' she said. ''Constitutional reform will lead to a new constitution and general elections within one year if not sooner.'' ''I wish to also assure the General Assembly that Thailand's foreign policy will remain unchanged,'' she said. Her country would continue to be guided by the UN Charter and remained committed to all its obligations under international treaties.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawat was ousted from power by Thai military leaders on Sept. 19 while he was in New York attending the annual opening debate of the new General Assembly session. Laohaphan also served as UN ambassador under Thaksin.

Thaksin had been scheduled to address the assembly last week but left New York for London after learning he was no longer Thailand's leader.

REUTERS

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