Conflict resolution debate in parliament, PM sot

Описание: (22 Apr 2009) SHOTLIST
1. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stepping out of his car outside parliament
2. Abhisit walking with Thai Speaker of the House
3. Interior pan of parliament in session
4. Various of Abhisit speaking in parliament
5. Various of parliament members listening
6. Wide of Abhisit
7. SOUNDBITE: (Thai) Abhisit Vejjajiva, Thai Prime Minister:
"This is the issue about how to bring back peace to our country, so we can use this time to discuss, to find the way out of this political conflict which is the most important reason for why I requested the House Speaker to open this parliament session today."
8. Wide of parliament members listening
9. Wide of opposition member of parliament speaking
10. Wide of Abhisit
11. Wide of parliament in session
STORYLINE
Thailand's parliament on Wednesday met in a special session for talks aimed at resolving an ongoing political crisis that erupted into street violence in the capital last week.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who took office in December, said he wants to convene the legislature for two days of marathon, 12-hour sessions.
He told parliament on Wednesday the sessions were aimed at bringing "peace to our country, so we can use this time to discuss, to find the way out of this political conflict."
Abhisit had said earlier that legislators could propose amendments to the constitution or law enforcement in the country that could help end the political impasse.
In the most recent round of protests, supporters of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra rioted in the capital's streets as they waged battles against soldiers.
Two people were killed and more than 130 injured in the unrest. A state of emergency imposed on April 12 on Bangkok remains in place.
The protesters are seeking Abhisit's resignations along with new elections.
They claim he came to power illegitimately after court rulings unseated two governments led by Thaksin allies.
Thaksin, who lives in self-imposed exile overseas, told The Associated Press in an interview in Dubai last week that he is encouraging his supporters to participate in reconciliation talks with the government.
But on Monday, Abhisit ruled out the possibility of holding direct negotiations with Thaksin, telling reporters that he won't hold talks with anyone accused of criminal activities.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant last week for Thaksin and 12 other protest leaders, accusing him of inciting unrest during the demonstrations.
The latest protests followed last year's by Thaksin's opponents, who forced the weeklong shut down of Bangkok's two airports while trying to drive his allies from power.
Last week's violence has further damaged Thailand's tourism and economy, already reeling after the airport closures.
Thailand's Tourism Council estimated that the number of foreign tourists is expected to drop from 14.1 (m) million in 2008 to 10.9 (m) million this year, a 23 percent plunge.

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