Islamic delegation's visit tipped as game-changer in conflict

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Islamic delegation's visit tipped as game-changer in conflict

Published: 7 May 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Muslim leaders believe today's visit of a delegation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will remind the Thai government that fair treatment of Muslim Thais is a crucial part of ending the violence in the Deep South.

There is also hope that the OIC, which is trusted by Muslim insurgents, will be able to act as a mediating body between separatists and the government.

Angkhana Neelaphaijit, chairwoman of the Working Group on Justice for Peace and wife of Muslim lawyer Somchai Neelaphaijit _ who disappeared on the night of March 12, 2004 and is yet to be found _ said she was disappointed that the government did not invite her to meet OIC representatives.

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domdunnn
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Discussion 6 : 07 May 2012 at 21.196
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The problem with the OIC becoming involved is that it is a religious organisation and this is not a religious conflict.

Hopefully the fear of the OIC becoming involved will spur the Thai government into doing something.
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commee
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Discussion 5 : 07 May 2012 at 13.435
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Since Turkey is a sectarian state, were the Muslim religion is very strong but the government is not dominated by the religious leaders, perhaps the OIC, using Turkey as an example, can have some influence in arranging peace in the southern region so that people can live without being afraid of being killed everyday. Turkey seems to have found a good balance. Thailand needs to try all viable ideas in its effort to create peace.
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hawaiiman
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Discussion 4 : 07 May 2012 at 13.214
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I welcome the visit by the OIC. Perhaps if they were allowed to be away from gov't. "minders" and speak to people of their choice privately...., but a good step.
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hawaiiman
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Discussion 3 : 07 May 2012 at 13.193
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D-1 Your point? If you are trying to make one. Are you saying when the OIC has been involved things have ended badly? Where and when? Badly for who?
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hillfarang
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Discussion 2 : 07 May 2012 at 10.292
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"...the government should use the opportunity to urge the OIC to condemn all violence.

The OIC condemned us when violence was caused by the state, such as the Krue Se and Tak Bai clashes and the disappearance of Somchai Neelaphaijit," said Mr Surapong, who was also part of the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration's efforts in the deep South."

I agree: Fair is Fair and without equal treatment & regard, there is no credibility.
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lookmoo
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Discussion 1 : 07 May 2012 at 07.361
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Give me one example where these OIC guys have been involved that have ended well...
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Islamic delegation's visit tipped as game-changer in conflict | Bangkok Post: news