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Politics
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2006-10-03 23:49:07-04
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White House calls for quick Thai elections
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Bangkok, Oct 4: The United States has on Tuesday urged Thailand to hold democratic elections after a bloodless coup last month deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. "We call for clear and unambiguous protection for civil liberties by the interim authorities and the military, and a quick return to democratic elections," Reuters quoted a White House spokeswoman Dana Perino as saying in a statement. "Thailand's image in the eyes of the world and U.S.-Thai relations will suffer until Thailand returns to its place as a democratic leader in Asia," Perino said. Perino said the administration was considering additional steps after it suspended nearly $24 million in aid to Thailand last week. Thailand's military rulers swore in Surayud Chulanont, a retired general, as interim prime minister on Sunday and unveiled a constitution, following their September 19 coup. Referring to the appointment of an interim prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, in Thailand, and the promulgation of an interim constitution," Perino said "We remain concerned by restrictions on civil liberties, provisions in the draft constitution that appear to give the military an ongoing and influential role in decision-making, and the lengthy timetable for democratic elections."
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