Thai Red Shirts ready to open talks with govt to end political impasse

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Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai , Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Iranian counterpart Mahmoud Ahmadinejad join hands after a joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Islamabad Friday.

BANGKOK, Apr 23 (Reuters): The leader of Thailand's Red Shirts said Friday they were ready to open talks with the government to end a prolonged and bloody political impasse.
Veera Musikapong said the group had changed its main demand for immediate dissolution of parliament to a 30-day timeframe.
In a statement read before supporters, he also demanded troops be withdrawn from around the protest site and an independent probe into an April 10 clash with protesters that killed 25 people, and Thursday night's grenade attacks.
Meanwhile, VOANews.com adds: Leaders from the anti-government protest movement in Bangkok deny being behind a grenade attack that killed at least one person and injured scores of others. Senior Thai officials say while it is hunting for those behind the attacks, it is also exploring ways to ease tensions in the capital.
Some officials already have blamed anti-government protesters for the attack. But the United Democratic Front Against Dictatorship denies any role, and says its red-shirt supporters set off fireworks only.
Up to six grenades were fired into a pro-government rally in the Silom Road financial district, less than 100 meters from UDD barricades.
Baranaj Smutharak, spokesman for the governing Democrat Party, says the government's priority is to track down those responsible for the attack.
The renewed bloodshed raises fears that military forces are preparing a crackdown on the protesters' camp in the Rajaprasong retail and hotel district.
However, Friday afternoon, the police and the red shirts to agreed to pull back 100 meters from the entrance of Silom Road, easing tensions somewhat.
Still many small businesses and banks on the street closed early, leaving the usually bustling area quiet. The Bangkok Skytrain, a major commuter system, shut down at 6 p.m., instead of midnight, leaving many workers struggling to find ways home.