Ousted PM Thaksin obstacle of peace talks: PM

Thailand's anti-government red-shirts take part in a motorcade procession around Bangkok, capital of Thailand, March 20, 2010. The motorcade procession by red-shirts took place as the anti-government movement, led by the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), staged a massive rally in Bangkok since March 12, aiming to pressure the government to dissolve the parliament and to call a snap election. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

BANGKOK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday the government has never rejected proposed peace talks with the red-shirted group, but this option is unlikely to happen since ousted former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra had turned down the attempt by the National Human Rights Commission to settle the conflict.

Speaking during an interview with Thailand's Channel 3 Television, Abhisit said he has understood why the red-shirts have demanded a House dissolution, but prior to this stage, it is essential to have an agreement between the government and the red- shirts, the National News Bureau of Thailand (ANT) under the government's Public Relations Department reported.

Significantly, such the agreement between the government and the red-shirts must be made based on the national interest and democracy, Abhisit said.

Also, Abhisit said "Thaksin is an obstacle of the proposed negotiations. I will talk with the red-shirted leaders if they do not take Thaksin as a condition."

Tens of thousands of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or red-shirted protestors have converged on Bangkok since March 12 to press the premier to dissolve the lower House of parliament and call new election.

On Saturday morning at about 10.00 a.m., local time, the red shirts began their motorcade procession around Bangkok, claiming they want to send smile, love, and happiness to Bangkok residents.