Bangkok ready to talk to Islamic militant group

[dArKeR]

AP , BANGKOK
Tuesday, May 25, 2004,Page 5

Thailand says it is ready to hold peace talks with the leader of an Islamic insurgent organization after he reportedly gave up a demand for a separate homeland in the country's Muslim south.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday he has assigned the army commander in the south to talk to Wan Kadir Che Man, the leader of Bersatu, an umbrella group of three insurgent organizations.

"Talking with this deviant man may yield some fruits, because he has many followers. Many people still have faith in him," Thaksin said.

Defense Minister Chetta Thanajaro told reporters that the government had already made "official-level contact" with Wan Kadir.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2004/05/25/2003156880