CNS wishes new defence minister to be non-partisan

The CNS also stopped its activities in light of the restoration of democracy. Under the 2007 Constitution, the CNS and the interim government would automatically expire after the elected government assumed office.

"The armed forces will not interfere with political affairs, likewise there should not be any political intervention in the military affairs," CNS spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnoed said.

In light of the sensitivity involved, the new defence minister should be a politicallyneutral officer with the understanding of military affairs and this would be bring about the climate of cooperation for all parties concerned, he said.

He went on to point out that the CNS did not demand but made a suggestion about the defence portfolio.

"The new government will have the final say on the issue," he said.

Sansern refused to comment whether the CNS wanted a certain officer to secure the position.

He said politics should stay on course to foster unity and bring about prosperity as military leaders had already pledged noninterference.

Sansern voiced optimism that the military and the new government would leave behind any biases and animosities.

"For a fresh start, it might be a good idea if former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to clear his charges via due process so as to bring about unity and conciliation," he said.

He said it was up to the new government to decide on the fate of the Assets Examination Committee, noting that the CNS placed its trust in the judiciary to dispense justice and that the AEC already had a timetable for its dismantlement.

The graft reports done by the AEC were a first step to initiate a judicial review but not a verdict, he said, adding the courts would later rule on cases involving the ousted government.