24/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - EU concerned about situation in Bangkok. On 23 January, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on all parties concerned in Thailand to establish “without delay a genuine and inclusive political dialogue process” with the aim of delivering “concrete results towards reconciliation within Thailand's democratic and constitutional framework”. Ashton's spokesperson said that the EU is following the political situation and the growing number of violent incidents in Bangkok “with concern”. On 22 January, the Thai government announced a state of emergency in Bangkok and the surrounding suburbs in order to confront the protesters, who for two and half months have been demanding that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra step down. (CG/transl.fl)