• 
• 

"We are fellow Thai citizens, and I am willing to talk to everyone impartially in spite of differing opinions," he said.

Somchai refused to disclose what he had discussed with Sondhi on the grounds that he did not want to hamper the work in progress.

He said, however, "talks were good", alluding to his intention to commence negotiations with the PAD in order to resolve the political rifts between the government and the opposition movement.

Chamlong Srimuang, a core leader of the PAD, said yesterday that the group was ready for talks, but he declined to discuss possible conditions for negotiations. He insisted that the PAD was not campaigning for its personal benefit.

He also said that the PAD's core leaders had agreed to invite academics and bureaucrats to a meeting tomorrow to discuss the group's proposed "new politics", with views from the discussion to be gathered and presented to subsequent meetings of people from various occupations.

Privy councillor Surayud Chulanont said the opposing camps ought to mend the rifts through negotiations to pave the way for the country to advance.

Surayud said that when he was interim prime minister following the September 19, 2006 coup he had tried to close the political divide but his efforts had remained incomplete.

He urged the government and the opposition movement to start the reconciliation process by talking to one another.

Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban called on the prime minister to concentrate on bringing about national reconciliation.

Although the government is facing several urgent problems, it is imperative that the political turmoil be overcome first so as to create a stable environment to deal with other challenges, he said. He urged Somchai to take the initiative for talks rather than wait for an overture from the PAD.

Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said the government should focus on how to reconcile differing views on the political system.

If the government and the PAD could reach an agreement on a new electoral system, then street protests would end, he said, arguing that the opposing camps should not focus on frivolous issues such as the siege of Government House.