BRN to reduce violence for Ramadan

BRN to reduce violence for Ramadan

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional has accepted in principle Thailand's demand that violence be reduced during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

National Security Council secretary-general Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, left, gestures before a press conference ahead of the peace in the southern border provinces in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. (AFP photo)

The tentative agreement was reached on Thursday during the third round of peace talks in Kuala Lumpur, a source in the Thai negotiating team said.

During the nine-hour talks, the Thai team, led by National Security Council chief Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, demanded the BRN cease attacks during Ramadan, which starts next month, the source said.

The BRN accepted this in principle after the Thai side promised to submit the BRN's five demands to the government's Southern Command Centre, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, the source said.

"The BRN will send us details about what steps it will take to reduce the violence during Ramadan by June 24," he added.

Several conditions which insurgents could set could include Thai security forces suspending searches, arrests and raids.

The source said BRN negotiators, led by Hassan Taib, had reaffirmed that Bangkok must accept their five demands, issued via a YouTube video posted in April.

The insurgents have called for Malaysia to mediate the talks; the unconditional release of political prisoners; the recognition of the BRN as the Patani liberation movement; the participation of other Asean members in the talks; and for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and other non-government organisations to witness the talks.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of talks after Ramadan, which begins on July 7 and ends on Aug 8.

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