Thai protest leader says he met PM, will fight on

An anti-government protester throws back a tear gas canister fired by riot police in Bangkok, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. AP

BANGKOK — The leader of Thailand’s anti-government protests says he met with the prime minister, but only to restate his demand that her government be replaced.

Suthep Thaungsuban told supporters Sunday night at one of the protest encampments that the meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was held under the auspices of the military, which says it is neutral in the conflict.

Suthep insisted to his supporters that the talk did not constitute negotiations. The protesters had dubbed Sunday “victory day,” but failed to attain their stated goal of taking over the prime minister’s offices, despite engaging in pitched street battles.

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