August 21, 2007	Tuesday	Sha’aban 7, 1428

WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday called on Thailand’s military junta to call for quick elections, following voters’ approval of a new army-backed constitution. The new charter was to replace the one the military threw out when it seized power last year and toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. “We have seen reports of the referendum and we believe it is important that they move forward with the elections as quickly as possible,” said Gonzo Gallegos, a spokesman for the US State Department.

He spoke after nearly 58 per cent of Thai voters approved the constitution in a referendum on Sunday. Both the margin of victory and the turnout were lower than the ruling junta had predicted. The last two general elections brought about 70 per cent of voters to the ballot box.

Following the coup in September 2006, the United States suspended $24 million in military aid to Thailand and also halted negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement. Many Thais voted for the charter, despite concerns about its contents, in order to hold the military to its promise to hold elections and restore democracy before the end of the year, political analysts in Bangkok said.—AFP