PM announces lifting state of emergency on Friday<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said at the end of Joint House Meeting last night that he would lift the state of emergency in Bangkok and nearby province claiming the intention to foster reconciliation after violent street protests against his government.

The emergency rule was imposed after protesters disrupted a summit of Asian leaders in the coastal city of Pattaya before turning riots in Bangkok by blocking all access to the Victory Monument and instigated violence in many spots in Bangkok.

"Lifting the state of emergency is part of measures to find a solution for the country. The government wants to show its sincerity, that the government wants reconciliation and to make the country move forwards," he added.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn later confirmed that the emergency regulations had been lifted. "Today (Friday, 24^th April) the government will repeatedly announce it on television and radio."

We are continually monitoring the situation and will update you all once again with further news.

As usual you can follow the very latest news in the ‘Breaking News’ sections of our local English newspaper websites

The Bangkok Post: http://www.bangkokpost.com/

The Nation:                http://www.nationmultimedia.com/index.php