07/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - EU criticises new order. On Thursday 2 April, the European Union criticised the replacement of martial law established in Thailand in May 2014 by Order Number 3/2015, which strengthens its military powers. This replacement “does not bring Thailand closer to democratic and accountable government”, said the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. The military courts should not be used to try civilians, her spokesperson added, reiterating that the EU has repeatedly called for martial law to be lifted and the democratic process to be restored. As “a friend and partner” of Thailand, the EU reiterates that the rule of law and the protection and promotion of human rights should underpin progress towards full restoration of democratic governance in Thailand, Mogherini's spokesperson stated. (CCG)