英语文摘:U.S. suspends 3.5 mln USD in military aid to Thailand following coup

WASHINGTON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The United States has suspended about 3.5 million U.S. dollars in military assistance to Thailand following a coup, the State Department said on Friday.

The United States is reviewing the rest of the annual direct assistance to Thailand -- which totaled 10.5 million in fiscal year 2013 -- as well as other aid through global and regional programs, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told a regular briefing.

"We are reviewing all programs to determine other assistance which we may suspend," Harf said.

"We urge the immediate restoration of civilian rule, a return to democracy, and obviously, respect for human rights during this period of uncertainty," she added.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday he was " disappointed" by the decision of the Thai military to suspend the constitution and take control of the government after a long period of political turmoil.

There was "no justification" for the military coup, Kerry said, calling for the release of senior political leaders of major parties in Thailand, a treaty ally with the United States.