[Greens-Media] Sen KERRY NETTLE: Howard Government must not back Thai coup

[Edwards, Jon (Sen K. Nettle)]

20.09.06

Howard Government must not back Thai coup


Greens Senator Kerry Nettle expressed concern today about the coup in
Thailand and called on the Howard Government not to adopt a business as
usual approach to the military takeover. She also called on the
government to push for a lifting of martial law and an immediate return
to democracy.

"The military takeover and the suspension of the constitution is a major
threat to human rights and democracy in Thailand."

"The Greens are long standing critics of the Prime Minister Thaksin
Shinawatra, it is clear he was enriching himself at the expense of the
Thai people. That is why we opposed the Australia-Thailand trade
agreement. But change must come through the people not through the gun."

"The history of military rule in Thailand and the region has been
bloody. We need to be sceptical of the aims and motivation of the
generals. Martial law threatens human rights." 

"The Howard Government should not equivocate. It must push for the
lifting of martial law and the bringing forward of the November
elections. Let the people of Thailand decide their future."

"The Greens are calling on The Government should immediately suspend our
military ties with Thailand until democracy is restored."

The Greens will monitor the situation in Thailand through their contacts
with human rights NGOs and the environment movement.


For more information: Jon Edwards 0428 213 146