Скачать или смотреть US State Department comments on US ambassador meeting Thai interim PM

(3 Oct 2006) SHOTLIST
1. Wide shot US State Department spokesman, Tom Casey, at podium; to zoom in
2. Cutaway reporter asking question
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Tom Casey, US State Department spokesman:
"Part of what Ambassador Boyce's (US Ambassador in Thailand) meeting with the new prime minister (Surayud Chulanont) did was to continue to reiterate our concerns about the coup itself and the importance of this interim government taking the steps that it's pledged to take to bring about a return to democracy as soon as possible. And I think it's appropriate and important that that message be conveyed directly from our ambassador to the head of this new government, because we are serious about seeing this process move forward and seeing a return to democracy in Thailand as quickly as possible."
4. Cutaway of reporter
STORYLINE
The United States urged Thailand's new Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, on Monday to protect basic civil liberties in the aftermath of last month's coup, expressing hope that the former army commander's appointment would spur a quick return to democracy.
State Department spokesman Tom Casey also said Monday's meeting in Bangkok between US Ambassador Ralph Boyce and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who took office on Sunday, was "appropriate and important."
Casey shrugged off suggestions that the meeting conveyed tacit approval for the September 19 coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Shinawatra resigned from his ruling party on Tuesday, submitting a resignation letter from London after more than 200 members left the once all-powerful party in face of a threat of banishment from politics, a party leader said.
Casey told reporters that Monday's meeting gave the United States a chance to "reiterate our concerns about the coup itself."
"I think it's appropriate and important that that message be conveyed directly from our ambassador to the head of this new government, because we are serious about seeing this process move forward and seeing a return to democracy in Thailand as quickly as possible," added Casey.
The United States and other Western nations and human rights groups have criticised the coup as a setback for rule by elected leaders.
Some in Washington worry that installing a former army commander as prime minister could allow the generals to maintain control of the government.
The United States also has been worried about restrictions placed on political activity and free expression.
Casey said it appeared, however, that the interim constitution provides guarantees for basic rights and civil liberties. The document in question gives the coup leaders significant powers over the new administration. It also sidelines political parties and maintains bans on public assembly and press freedoms.
Last week, the United States suspended 24 million (m) US dollars in military aid to Thailand, invoking laws that bar certain aid programs to governments that have taken power by force.
It was unclear whether the United States would pursue other punishments of the Thai coup-makers.

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