With restored democratic government, Thailand again qualifies for US
aid, Wa****ngton announces
2008-02-07 01:36:16 -
WA****NGTON (AP) - The United States is restoring Thailand's
eligibility for U.S. aid in response to the Southeast Asian country's
return to democratic civilian government.
U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey revealed the decision
in a statement issued Wednesday congratulating =ABThailand's new cabinet
on its inauguration and the Thai people on their success
in re-establi****ng an elected government.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej swore in on Wednesday a civilian government
headed by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej but loyal to deposed Prime
Minister Thaksin ****nawatra. The junta that removed ****nawatra on
Sept. 19, 2006, stepped down after being soundly defeated in December
elections. ****nawatra, who was not allowed by the military to return,
has said he could be back in Thailand as early as April.
Because of the new democratic regime, Deputy Secretary of State John
Negroponte determined that a democratically elected government had
taken control in Thailand, Casey said. His certification to the U.S.
Congress of that removed legal restrictions on aid to Thailand imposed
following after the 2006 coup.
=ABWe look forward to engaging across a range of issues with Prime
Minister Samak's government, in keeping with the proud history of our
warm friend****p and strong alliance,=BB Casey said.
|
