Sunday, May 16, 2010

Thai protesters seek U.N.-mediated talks

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Anti-government protesters in Thailand say they are ready to resume negotiations if Thai authorities withdraw troops waging deadly street battles with demonstrators in the center of Bangkok.

Natthawut Saikua, a leader in the opposition United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), said the protesters wanted U.N.-mediated talks aimed at resolving weeks of political unrest which has seen thousands of so-called "Red Shirts" occupy an area of central Bangkok.

But a government-backed clampdown on the protesters by security forces has resulted in at least 25 deaths and hundreds of injuries since Thursday.

"We ask the government to ... withdraw troops out of surrounding area," Natthawut said. "We are ready to enter talks immediately by having the U.N. as mediator for this negotiation."

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