UNITED NATIONS, May 15 (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appealed to all sides in Thailand to avoid furthering the political violence shaking the country and to return to dialogue.
Ban said yesterday he was following the rapidly mounting violence and tensions in Thailand with "growing concern" and was "saddened" by the reports of civilian deaths, including journalists, in clashes between security forces and protesters.
"He appeals to both the protesters and the Thai authorities to do all in their power to avoid further violence and loss of life," Ban's press service said in a statement.
"He strongly encourages them to urgently return to dialogue in order to de-escalate the situation and resolve matters peacefully," it said.
Soldiers opened fire Friday on anti-government protesters in a clash in the centre of Bangkok that left at least 16 people dead and 125 injured.
