Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is holding negotiations with the leaders of demonstrations against his government.
The talks, which are being broadcast live on Thai television, are intended to reduce mounting tensions and prevent possible violent confrontations. The prime minister has demanded an end to the demonstrations as a precondition to talks because he does want to be put under pressure. An opposition leader says a new mass demonstration has been postponed for the time being.
However, the prime minister is not expected to make major concessions to the protesters, who are demanding the dissolution of parliament. Mr Abhisit recently said his government was legitimate and that Thailand is currently too divided to hold elections.
At the weekend, 12 soldiers and four civilians were injured when grenades were lobbed at an army barracks, two government-owned television stations and a customs building. So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. The protesters are supporters of ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is currently living in exile.
Abhisit Vejjajiva
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To be accurate, the article should mention that Mr. Thaksin is in self-imposed exile after he fled the country to avoid serving a jail sentence for corruption. A visit to the Human Rights Watch website is also enlightening on Mr. Thaksin's achievements as prime minister. The current government is a coalition born from national elections and Mr. Abbhisit is known to be clean.
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