(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Ngapore may 31 (qna) - us secretary of defense chuck hagel urged thailand's military junta to allow "free and fair elections" saturday.
hagel emphasized the importance of democratic development in the asia-pacific region during a speech to the shangri-la dialogue on security and defence.
"democracies are our closest friends" he said urging the royal thai armed forces to release those who have been detained during the coup and to respect freedom of expression.
the army seized power on may 22 and detained senior politicians following a polarising political stalemate that included the ouster of prime minister yingluck shinawatra by a court ruling last month.
hagel said the us is now reconsidering its military engagement and assistance with thailand.(qna)
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