Deep South must be on the table at upcoming summmit: PULO

In a statement, Kasturi Mahkota, the foreign affair chief the Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo), said he hopes Najib will not swayed by the Bangkok government to the point of ignoring the plight of the ethnic Malays in Thailand's deep South.

"PULO hopes  Malaysian PM Datok Seri Najib visit to the Patani region is not only giving the advantages and solely aligned to  RTG untill forgot to defense the Patani Malays," Kasturi said.

Moreover, said Kasturi, it is hope that the summit will "generate a more  conducive atmosphere for continuing dialogue between the Royal Thai government(RTG) and the Patani Malay Movement."

Kasturi said Pulo is encouraged by PM Abhisit's recent statements about the need for a "a lasting solution to the conflict" and praised the idea of more political participation at the local level to "ensure the protection of the region's religion, culture and basic values."

Such arrangement could lead to the "laying down of arms and lasting peace in Patani region", Kasturi said.