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Thai PM rules out imposing state of emergency

KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 (KUNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Wechachiwa ruled out Saturday the possibility of imposing a state of emergency to deal with anti-government protests that the opposition planned to stage on Wednesday.
Bangkok Post reported that the opposition had in fact begun protesting this week, and prevented ministers from reaching the cabinet headquarters, which prompted the postponement of their meeting.
Wechachiwa expressed willingness to hold talks with ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as part of efforts to defuse tension that had erupted in August.
He said, however, that Thaksin must not place exemption from charges as a condition for holding these talks. Thaksin's charges are mostly related to corruption and exploiting his position.
Moreover, Wechachiwa said the government was not opposed to any mediation to end this internal political conflict.
Thaksin's supporters are calling for the dissolution of parliament and holding new general elections.
Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in September 2006 and remained in exile until his supporters won the December 2007 elections. He returned to Thailand in February 2008 to face corruption charges, but fled to exile and was convicted in absentia and handed a two-year term. (end) asf.ema KUNA 040902 Apr 09NNNN