08/04/2010 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has expressed her concern at the situation in Thailand, in particular since a state of emergency was declared in the Bangkok region. In a press release issued on Thursday 8 April, she welcomes the policy of the Thai government to use as little force as possible against the protesters (the “red shirts” who support former Prime Minister in exile Thaksin Shinwatra), and calls on the authorities to “ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency does not lead to any disproportionate restrictions of fundamental rights and individual freedoms” (on Thursday, the government suspended broadcasts by opposition television channels). Ashton says that “any escalation of violence would only hinder the possibilities for future dialogue” in restoring the stability the country so badly needs and “which is necessary to advance our bilateral relations”. (A.B./transl.rt)