EDITORIAL
The government sprang a surprise last month with the announcement it was opening formal talks with a separatist organisation.
Tidbits of the deal were leaked for more than a year. But the country learned of the decision only after Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut, chief of the National Security Council, was already in Malaysia and preparing the formal agreement. The initial secrecy was understandable but authorities must adopt a peace process that includes openness and constant consultations with the public.
Thailand is deep into the 10th year of the nation's most serious threat to national security. Deep South Watch, which monitors the southern violence, says more than 5,000 people have been killed and more than 9,000 injured in about 11,000 incidents since January 2004. The government deserves praise for opening channels to one of the groups involved in the violence. It deserves support for this move, if only because nine years of repeating the same policies was clearly a failed strategy.
The government has recognised the reality of the southern violence. There will never be peace without recognising, hearing, discussing and if necessary negotiating with the separatists behind the problems.
As long suspected, the power behind the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) _ or National Revolutionary Front _ lies in Malaysia. That country has agreed to act as an intermediary, and has effectively guaranteed that the Muslim scholar Hassan Taib is a senior operative of the BRN for the purposes of talks with Thai authorities.
Lt Gen Paradorn and Mr Taib signed an agreement on Feb 28 in Kuala Lumpur. It commits the government and the separatist group to talk. There are no restrictions as the negotiations begin.
With important exceptions, the Thailand-BRN agreement has won wide support in Thailand. But it must be recognised immediately that while agreeing to talk was an important hurdle, it was probably the easiest one. The BRN must convince its insurgent arms like the RKK to reduce, then halt violence and terrorism. The government will have to consider political concessions.
It is understandable the government and Lt Gen Paradorn kept their initial contacts with the BRN close to their chest. It also is certain that in coming days and weeks negotiations may have to be conducted behind closed doors. But authorities must realise that ultimately the public will decide whether to accept any deal.
Separatism itself is against the constitution. But short of actual separation, many proposals will be considered at the Malaysia-brokered talks. Clearly, southerners wish to have more power and responsibility in formulating policies affecting their own region. Thais must be kept informed at every step about what is proposed and agreed between the parties.
The many insurgent groups and many government ministries and agencies are fragmented. Any agreement must span the entire range of militants, just as the government must speak with one voice. It is clear meaningful talks will require careful, perhaps lengthy preparation. But it is equally clear that without transparency in the steps it takes, the government cannot hope for strong support from the South or the country at large.
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2013/03/13/give-public-say-on-brn-talks/
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