THAILAND: The United States said yesterday it had suspended almost $24 million (€18.9 million) in aid to Thailand because of its military coup.
State department spokesman Sean McCormack said the decision to suspend funds to the Thai government was taken in accordance with US laws restricting aid to countries that undergo military coups.
He indicated that the assistance would be restored once Thailand - a US treaty ally - reinstates a democratically elected government.
Mr McCormack said the suspended funds affected military training, peacekeeping operations and arms purchases. Other funding, for humanitarian purposes, will continue, he said.
US officials have said the coup was a "very sad development" for Thai democracy and a step backwards for the country.
Thailand's military looks set to loom large over an interim civilian government despite pledging it would step back two weeks after ousting the prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, in a bloodless coup.
With the 1997 "People's Charter" abolished by the coup leaders who seized power on September 19th, legal experts are putting the final touches on a draft interim constitution to be submitted for royal approval tomorrow.
Details of the draft circulated in the Thai press have raised concerns that the generals will have too much influence over the new civilian administration.
- (Reuters)