Hopes for end to bloody standoff as UDD chairman in talks with Thai Government

Bangkok, May 17 (ANI): In a significant development that could lead to an end of the impasse prevailing in Thailand, the chairman of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, Veera Musikhapong is now engaged in a peace dialogue with the government.

The UDD's demands include pulling back of troops, suspending use of force and permitting a UN mediated truce.

"Mr Veera had sent a letter to UDD core leaders insisting that he is still performing his duty as a co-leader and is now discussing with representatives of the government how to rapidly end political crisis," the Bangkok Post quoted UDD co-leader Weng Tojirakarn as saying.

Weng also refuted government allegations of war weapons being used by agitators, however he conceded that the Red Shirt leaders have no control over their zealous supporters outside of the Ratchaprasong intersection area.

He also said that a few demonstrators want to leave the rally site and that some had already moved out of the rally zone. But this would not affect the rally as most of the supporters still back the UDD he added. (ANI)