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TAIWAN NOT PART OF CHINA: PREMIER

ROC Central News Agency

2006-03-06 16:22:21

    Taipei, March 6 (CNA) Premier Su Tseng-chang said Monday that Taiwan is not part of China and pointed out that unification with China is not the only option for Taiwan.

    The premier made the remarks while fielding questions in the Legislative Yuan when he delivered a special report on the recent cessation of the National Unification Council, which although largely moribund, was a symbol that the nation would not seek de jure independence.

    Opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union Legislator Lo Chih-ming asked whether the Constitution, which stipulates "to deal with the needs prior to the nation's eventual unification with China..." will be amended now that the Chinese People's Political Consultation Conference (CPPCC) has reiterated Beijing's stance that "Taiwan is an unalienable part of the People's Republic of China."

    Su replied that constitutional amendments have to follow protocol. "The future of Taiwan lies with its 23 million people. Whether it is constitutional amendments or formulation of a new constitution... protocol must be followed," Su said.

    He noted that President Chen Shui-bian said during an interview with Japanese daily newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun last week that as long as the social conditions are mature and that three-quarters of the legislature and a national referendum confirm it, it is possible that a new Constitution will be pushed for during his term.

    TSU Legislator Ho Min-hao claimed that demand from the private sector to promote the drafting of a new Constitution is gaining momentum but said the government has yet to clearly state its stance on the matter.

    The premier noted that Chen has said constitutional reform must be enacted from the bottom up and from the outside in, and that it is not right for the government to take the initiative.

    TSU Legislator David Huang asked if Article 17 of the Referendum Law can be applied in the wake of the CPPCC's claim that Taiwan is a part of China.

    Article 17 of the Referendum Law states that the president, with the premier's approval, may propose a defensive referendum on national security issues when the nation's sovereignty faces external threats.

    Su said that to put a question to national referendum would require Cabinet approval and that Chen would make the final decision.

(By Lilian Wu)

ENDITEM/J