VOA标准英语2010-Thai PM Calls for Investigations Over Pro

Meanwhile, anti-government protesters in Bangkok have rejected talk of negotiations² as they continue their occupation of key areas in the Thai capital -- the main shopping area and the city's historic district.

Ron Corben | Bangkok 11 April 2010
 

An anti-government protester reads newspaper outside a closed upscale shopping area in downtown Bangkok, Thailand, Sunday, April 11, 2010

Medical officials in Thailand say more than a dozen people have been killed and more than 800 others injured in clashes between anti-government protesters and soldiers in the center of the capital, Bangkok.  The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.  Mr. Abhisit has called for a full investigation³ into the violence and has refused to step down.

Speaking in a nationally televised address, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Saturday's protest violence.

Mr. Abhisit said he regretted the bloodshed and loss life caused by the crackdown against anti-government protesters.  He said there would be full investigations⁴ into the violence.  He added he would not step down from power.

Thai Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said investigations would be wide ranging and that protest representatives would be invited to participate.

"We are committed to make sure that justice is served or being done," Panitan said. "We are ready to enter into the justice process to be examined. We are in the beginning asking independent academic institutions and the police autopsy⁵ unit to investigate the deaths of all people. We are also happy to invite representatives of the demonstrators to join the committee to examine the cause of the deaths of the people last night."

Panitan said four officers were killed and over 200 injured, with 90 in serious or critical condition.  He accused some among the protesters of using weapons and tear gas and denied that soldiers used live rounds against the demonstrators.

Month-long protests turned violent after security forces attempted to move thousands of so-called "Red Shirt" protesters who are blocking key areas in the capital.

One protester, who identified himself as Mr. Gunn, witnessed the violence.

Mr. Gunn said helicopters had dropped tear gas and this was followed by troops moving into the area.

Security forces failed to disperse⁶ protesters from public places despite firing rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition⁷.  Protesters fought back with stones, guns and gasoline bombs.

Thai medical officials say a Japanese cameraman with the Reuters news agency and at least five soldiers are among those killed.  More than 520 others were injured in clashes Saturday in other parts of Thailand's capital.

Late Saturday night protesters at the Phan Fah Bridge protest site brought the bodies of two UDD rally guards onto the stage, as the names of the dead were read out to the crowd.

Calm returned to the capital early Sunday, but anti-government protesters continue to occupy key intersections⁸ in the city. A state of emergency, declared by the government, remains⁹ in place.

The United States has called on both sides to show restraint and work out disagreements peacefully through earnest negotiation¹.

 

1 negotiation   

n.谈判，协商

参考例句：

• They closed the deal in sugar after a week of negotiation.经过一星期的谈判，他们的食糖生意成交了。
• The negotiation dragged on until July.谈判一直拖到7月份。

2 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

3 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。

4 investigations   

（正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究

参考例句：

• His investigations were intensive and thorough but revealed nothing. 他进行了深入彻底的调查，但没有发现什么。
• He often sent them out to make investigations. 他常常派他们出去作调查。

5 autopsy   

n.尸体解剖；尸检

参考例句：

• They're carrying out an autopsy on the victim.他们正在给受害者验尸。
• A hemorrhagic gut was the predominant lesion at autopsy.尸检的主要发现是肠出血。

6 disperse   

vi.使分散；使消失；vt.分散；驱散

参考例句：

• The cattle were swinging their tails to disperse the flies.那些牛甩动着尾巴驱赶苍蝇。
• The children disperse for the holidays.孩子们放假了。

7 ammunition   

n.军火，弹药

参考例句：

• A few of the jeeps had run out of ammunition.几辆吉普车上的弹药已经用光了。
• They have expended all their ammunition.他们把弹药用光。

8 intersections   

n.横断( intersection的名词复数 )；交叉；交叉点；交集

参考例句：

• Traffic lights have been placed at all major intersections. 所有重要的交叉路口都安装了交通信号灯。
• Intersections are of the greatest importance in highway design. 在道路设计中，交叉口占有最重要的地位。 来自辞典例句

9 remains   

n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹

参考例句：

• He ate the remains of food hungrily.他狼吞虎咽地吃剩余的食物。
• The remains of the meal were fed to the dog.残羹剩饭喂狗了。