MISGIVINGS ABOUT 'DEFENSIVE REFERENDUM" GREATLY ASSUAGED: PREMIER
2003-12-29 15:11:21
Taipei, Dec. 29 (CNA) Premier Yu Shyi-kun said Monday that the international community's misgivings about Taiwan holding a "defensive referendum" have been "greatly assuaged" and that the government will continue to communicate with other countries on the matter.
The premier, speaking at a year-end press conference, noted that he believes President Chen Shui-bian will push ahead with plans to hold a "defensive referendum" next March to demand that mainland China withdraw its missiles targeting Taiwan and renounce the option of force against the island, despite the concerns voiced by the United States regarding the referendum issue.
The premier stressed that the "defensive referendum" is one of peace that will not violate the "five noes" pledges -- including no referendum on independence -- made by President Chen in his 2000 inaugural address. He said the "defensive referendum" has nothing to do with the issue of independence versus unification. "The holding of the referendum will conform with the values cherished by the United States and the spirit of its founding, " the premier said, adding that any misgivings the United States might have are due to it not fully understanding the referendum plans and content.
Communications between the United States and Taiwan have been smooth, he said, adding that the government will continue to communicate with Washington on the matter.
As for Beijing's reaction, the premier said any democratic moves by Taiwan trigger strong reactions from the mainland leadership, pointing as an example to the mainland's lobbing of missiles near Taiwan waters in 1996 when the island held its first popular presidential election.
(By Lilian Wu)
ENDITEM/Li
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