Govt unwilling to face challenge of defusing tensions : Abhisit

Abhisit said the House should interrupt its session on the budget and map out a political solution, as suggested by Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.

Anupong, who is in charge of enforcing emergency measures, said on Tuesday the state of emergency could only ensure no more bloodshed between opposing crowds, but politicians are dutybound to end the unrest.

Opposition chief whip Sathit Wongnongtoey said the government appeared reluctant to shoulder its share of responsibility to defuse tensions.

The parliamentary debate on Sunday ended with no tangible results and today Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is not expected to attend the House, he said.

Political turbulence persists because of government unwillingness to face up to the challenge. This is no fault of the House, he said.