US warns Thailand on rights
STOCKTON, California - The White House called Tuesday for" a quick return" to democracy in Thailand and warned Thai military leaders that Washington was weighing action beyond US sanctions imposed last week.
Spokeswoman Dana Perino also said in a statement that Thailand's relations with the United States and global image would suffer until it returns to democratic rule."We call for clear and unambiguous protection for civil liberties by the interim authorities and the military, and a quick return to democratic elections," she said as US President George W. Bush visited California. "Thailand's image in the eyes of the world and US-Thai relations will suffer until Thailand returns to its place as a democratic leader in Asia," she said while Bush raised money for his Republican party ahead of November elections. Perino said the United States had "noted" the appointment of retired General Surayud Chulanont as interim prime minister, as well as the promulgation of an interim constitution. "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," she said. "Following the implementation of Section 508 sanctions last week, we are assessing additional next steps to be taken," she warned. The United States halted 24 million dollars in military aid from Thailand last week in protest at the September 19 coup by top generals who ousted civilian prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra over corruption allegations. The sanctions jolted years of close links between US forces and Thailand, a non-NATO ally -- the closest US designation a foreign military not a member of the Western alliance can enjoy. Some aid deemed crucial to US national security was spared, notably in the field of counterterrorism, in which the kingdom has emerged as a low-key, yet valued partner in the US battle against Al-Qaeda. Agence France-Presse
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