United States Urges Prompt Restoration of Democracy in Thailand
20 September 2006
Coup has implications for U.S. assistance to country, officials say
Washington -- The United States is urging the prompt restoration of democracy in Thailand, administration officials said September 20.
On September 19, a group calling itself the Committee for Democratic Reform under the Monarchy as Head of State seized control of the government institutions in Bangkok and declared martial law. A spokesman for the group pledged to name a civilian caretaker prime minister within two weeks and promised elections by October 2007, after the drafting of a new constitution. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was in New York attending the start of the United Nations' 61st General Assembly session at the time of the coup.
"We're disappointed in the coup," White House spokesman Tony Snow said at a White House press briefing September 20. "We hope those who mounted it will make good, and make good swiftly, on their promises to restore democracy. And by restoring democracy not only means elected governments, but protected rights of citizens, including freedom of speech and assembly."
Snow added that once Thailand restores democracy the United States will "be in a position to move forward on a free trade agreement with them."
"There is no justification for a military coup in Thailand or in any place else. And we certainly are extremely disappointed by this action," State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said at the regular department briefing the same day. "It is a step backward for democracy in Thailand. And I think it is important that that step backward now be resolved in accordance with the rule of law and democracy."
"We very much urge that democratic elections be held as soon as possible, which is a commitment military officials have made. That commitment needs to be met and it needs to be respected. And in that process, we need to make sure that there is full respect for freedom of speech and assembly and that violence be avoided," he continued.
Casey added that there are "consequences when these kinds of actions take place." In light of the situation in Thailand, he said, the United States would be reviewing certain "aspects" of its relationship with the country, including the provision of financial assistance.
Under Section 508 of the Foreign Operations Act for Fiscal Year 2006, the United States may not use appropriated funds to finance directly any assistance to the government of any country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by military coup or decree, with the exception of assistance to promote democratic elections or public participation in democratic processes.
The legislation permits the resumption of U.S. assistance when the president determines and certifies to the Committees on Appropriations of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives that subsequent to the termination of assistance a democratically elected government has taken office.
For more information on U.S. policy, see Democracy and East Asia and the Pacific.
A transcript of the State Department briefing is available on the department’s Web site. A transcript of Snow’s remarks is available on the White House Web site.
(The Washington File is a product of the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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