SECRETARY-GENERAL APPEALS FOR PROMPT RETURN TO CIVILIAN, DEMOCRATIC RULE,

SWIFT HOLDING OF ELECTIONS IN THAILAND, AFTER OVERTHROW OF GOVERNMENT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is following with concern developments in Thailand after the overthrow of the elected Government there.  He appeals for a prompt return to civilian, democratic rule and the holding of new elections as quickly as possible.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the progress the people of Thailand have made in recent years, under the leadership of King Bhumibol Adulyade, in establishing and strengthening democratic institutions.  He expresses his profound hope that those efforts will resume very soon.

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For information media • not an official record