AIRPORT STANDOFF : US urge protesters to end seizing at airports seizing, AIRPORT, STANDOFF, airports, protesters

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By The Nation

The US government called on Friday for the end of the protesters' seizure at Thailand airports protesting against its government, Xinhua reported.

"While we respect the right to freedom of expression, seizing an airport is not an appropriate means of protest," the State Department's acting deputy spokesman Gordon Duguid said in a statement.

He urged supporters of The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)"to walk away from the airports peacefully," and allow "this situation can be resolved without violence and in accordance with the law."

29-11-2008 10:12

The air traffic has been paralyzed completely since protestors besieged the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi international airports at the capital of Bangkok earlier this week out of the PAD's hatred of former Prime Minister thaksin Shinawatra.

Despite Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat's announcement of an emergency decree in the areas of both airports, the crisis continued after anti-government leaders rejected last-ditch attempts to negotiate with the government.

Although airlines have resumed their operations at a naval base, tens of thousands of passengers are still believed to be stranded during the four-day unrest.//Xinhua