Thai red-shirts show willingness to talk with gov't

BANGKOK, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's red-shirt leaders said Friday they are willing to talk with the government as long as the Prime Minister is open to discussing their demand to dissolve the lower house of parliament and call new elections.

Jatuporn Promphan, co-leader of the on-going anti-government mass rally in capital Bangkok, said the red-shirt movement is willing to talk with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as long as he is sincere and open to considering their demand.

Another protest leader Natthawut Saikua said late Thursday that one of the conditions to hold talks with the government is to gives them a chance to explain on TV why they want to dissolve the lower house.

The red-shirt leaders appeared to soften their position after Jatuporn said earlier Thursday that there will be no talks until the government agrees to dissolve the parliament.

Abhisit has said he is ready to negotiate with the red-shirts as long as they keep the mass rally peaceful.

Abhisit made the offer one day after the angry protestors poured their donated blood at his house Wednesday to press the government to give in to their demand. They also poured blood at the Government House and the headquarters of the ruling Democrat Party Tuesday.

Abhisit on Monday rejected an ultimatum issued by the red- shirts on Sunday to dissolve the parliament within 24 hours.