PM rejects protesters' call for people's council
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Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Thursday urged protesters to leave all government offices and stop their rallies and instead hold talks with the government.
Yingluck went on TV pool at 1.50pm to insist that her government wanted to talk with protest leaders to find a solution for the country that would draw an end to the protracted political crisis.
She said the protesters should leave the government offices they are occupying so that government officials could continue to work to serve the people.
She added that the protests should end because the country is about to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday.
The Prime Minister said the call for the establishment of a people’s council to reform the country could not be done under the current Constitution.
As a result, the protesters should hold talks with the government instead of continuing the protests.
"I hereby affirm that I have a real intention to cooperate and consult [with protester leaders] to find a solution for the country and bring an end to the current political conflicts, which have been going on for a long time and have done enough damage to the country," Yingluck siad.
"I would like to propose to the demonstrators that they stop the rally and return the government offices to the government so that government mechanisms can continue. And I'll open a venue for talks because the government does not want to confront the protesters. The government is ready to cooperate with those who have an interest in the political conflicts to formulate measures for solving the problems in a way that is acceptable to all sides."
Yingluck also expressed confidence government officials would continue to work to serve the people even though the protests were making their work harder.
