BANGKOK, Dec 27 (TNA) -- Thailand's newly-appointed Cabinet is empowered to work without first presenting the government's policy statement to Parliament, Parliament President Chai Chidchob said on Saturday.
Under Article 176 of the Constitution, the government must address its policy statement to the legislative body within 15 days after the Cabinet has assumed office, Mr. Chai said.
But the second clause of the same article stipulates that if the delivery of the statement is not held within the required period due to negative circumstances such as blocking Parliament by protesters, the Cabinet may begin its duties as it deems necessary, he said.
The newly-appointed coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva began work on December 23 and plans to deliver its policy statement on Monday and Tuesday.
But the plan could be scuttled as 'Red Shirt' United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), loyal to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted from office and later convicted of corruptuon, plan to hold a massive rally at Bangkok's Sanam Luang on Sunday and move to the parliament Monday and Tuesday to prevent the government from delivering its policy statement.
Mr. Chai said assistance has been sought from the police and the military on both days to help provide security but he believes no violence would occur. Neither the dates nor the venue of the meeting has been changed, he said, adding that evaluation of the situation would be "made minute by minute".
He urged the UDD leaders to respect the constitution and the law. (TNA)
Political News : Last Update : 16:08:53 27 December 2008 (GMT+7:00)
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