Surin makes IPU appeal
Former Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan yesterday expressed optimism that the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) would resume relations with Thailand despite kicking it out after the September 19 coup.
Surin spoke as he left Thailand for Switzerland with former National Security Council chief Charan Kullawanich and Mahachon Party deputy leader Akapol Sorachuchart to "engage" with IPU members at its secretariat in Geneva. The three men will represent Thailand's National Legislative Assembly."Our aim is to resume our rightful place in the IPU," Surin told The Nation. He said the team would explain to the IPU the Kingdom's progress towards democratisation. They will then leave for Rome for a meeting with IPU president Pier Ferdinando Casi, an Italian lawmaker. The IPU is due to meet in Bali, Indonesia, from April 23-30. The meeting was initially scheduled for Thailand but relocated after Thailand was removed from the roster.
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