NSC chief rules out troop exit

National Security Council (NSC) chief Paradorn Pattanatabut insists the formation of a special administrative zone and troop withdrawal will not be discussed when he sits down for formal talks with southern insurgent groups Thursday.

Lt Gen Paradorn, is the NSC secretary-general, and his 15-member delegation will meet representatives of southern insurgent groups in Kuala Lumpur.

A ranger aims his rifle during a clash with suspected militants in Narathiwat on Tuesday. Two rangers were hurt in the incident. (AFP photo)

The NSC and Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgent group signed an agreement in the Malaysian capital on Feb 28 to hold peace talks. The first talks will be held Thursday.
The special zone and troop pullout are among proposals the BRN will reportedly submit for the talks. Others include accepting the Malay identity, giving convicts amnesty and using Indonesia's Aceh model for future administration.
Lt Gen Paradorn ruled out the possibility of discussing such proposals.

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"It might be a rumour that some parties which oppose the peace process have released," he said.
"All of the decisions do not depend on me or the negotiation delegation but on the government and Thai people, and it will take time before decisions are made," he said.
Lt Gen Paradorn said his side expected to sign terms of reference on negotiations but insurgent representatives did not think this was necessary and wanted negotiations to start right away.
He also said that violent incidents were unlikely to end right away in the far South because some insurgents still disagreed with the talks.
"Their side needs time to create understanding and discuss what the government can do for them," he said.
However, he said violent incidents were declining as Hassan Taib, the liaison chief of the BRN, had promised they would.
The NSC chief said key figures of other insurgent groups would also join Thursday's negotiations including those from the Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani (BIPP), the Pattani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) and the Gerakan Mujahidin Patani (GMP).
Lt Gen Paradorn said negotiations would continue all day and he would return from the meeting Friday.
Security sources said insurgent groups and Malaysia are cooperating with the peace negotiations because they expect the Pheu Thai Party will continue to lead the national administration for a long time

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