Ex-Asean chief backs BRN's move
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Former Asean Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan supported the violence break during the Ramadan.
Referring to the announcement by Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), which is believed to have authority to command some insurgents in Thailand, to stop violence during the fasting period, he said this shows an effort within Asean as the violence is affecting the entire region.
The announcement was read out yesterday in Kuala Lumpur by a senior Malaysian official.
To Surin, this is a good beginning but it will require further effort and patience.
He also urged the authorities to spend the 40-day fasting period reviewing the causes of violence, avoiding causing further conflicts, and showing the unity. The absence of violence during the period would demonstrate all parties' sincerity and serious intention to achieve peace.
