http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article7119056.ece
Red Shirt protesters in Bangkok have refused to disperse despite an offer from Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Prime Minister, to dissolve parliament in September, paving the way for elections demanded by the Red Shirts if they end their occupation of the city’s commercial district.
The demonstrators said that they would not go until the promise was made official and a date was specified. Mr Abhisit also faced opposition from activists who see his peace offering as capitulation. The nearly two-month stand-off has paralysed vital areas of Bangkok, hammered the economy and tourist industry and ground government machinery to a near halt. Clashes with soldiers and other violence have killed 27 people and injured nearly 1,000.
On Monday Mr Abhisit made proposals that included elections on November 14, about a year before his term would end, if the protesters left their encampment. The Red Shirts initially welcomed the plan, but the date has become a sticking point.
“If you are playing hard to get about the dissolution date, we will continue,” Nattawut Saikua, a protest leader, said. “We can remain here for three or four months. No problem.” Mr Abhisit, however, is insisting on the opposite. “If they don’t go home, I’m not going to dissolve parliament,” he said. (AP)
Fri May 07, 2010 10:18 am