Secretary-General expresses alarm at reports of coup in Thailand

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan voiced concern today at news of a military coup in Thailand, saying he was disturbed at any change of power through undemocratic means.

Speaking to CNN at UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Annan urged the people of Thailand to “remain calm. Over the past decade or so, they have established a solid democracy and institutions under the leadership of the King. And I’m sure they will be able to restore that institution and go back to a democratic system as soon as possible.”

The Secretary-General said that while he did not have all the details of what has taken place in Thailand, “we as an Organization have always supported governmental changes through democratic means, through the ballot box.”

He cited the position of the African Union, which “has indicated, they do not support those who come to power through the barrel of a gun… this is not a practice to be encouraged.”

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had been scheduled to address the annual debate of the General Assembly today but his appearance was later cancelled.