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NUC CESSATION 'DID NOT CHANGE STATUS QUO': PRESIDENT

ROC Central News Agency

2006-03-14 15:27:30

    Taipei, March 14 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian has reaffirmed that his move to cease the function of the National Unification Council (NUC) last month did not change the cross-Taiwan Strait status quo.

    Chen made the statement during an interview with The Washington Post Monday in Taipei, in the wake of a request by the United States for Taiwan to openly clarify that it "did not abolish" the NUC, a matter considered by Washington as a crucial part of Chen's pledge of not changing the status quo.

    According to Chen, after Taipei and Washington had communicated in a "very frank, responsible and rational" manner, both sides came to recognize that the so-called maintenance of the status quo refers to "maintaining the status of Taiwan's democracy, freedom and human rights and of the status of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." "Therefore, both sides are well aware that our move to cease the function of the National Unification Council and cease the application of the National Unification Guidelines did not involve any changes to the status quo," Chen said.

    Also, Chen said the wording used in this case shows Taiwan's resolve to protect cross-strait stability with its wisdom, creativity, sincerity and responsibility.

    The president disclosed that Taiwan had originally intended to use the term "abolish" while the United States had suggested that Taiwan use "freeze" or "suspend."

    Taipei later proposed using "cease to function" and "cease to apply" instead, he said.

    Chen said Taiwan must act as a responsible contributor and defender of cross-strait peace and stability and that Taiwan understands the United States does not hope to see any changes in the cross-strait status quo or any unilateral change to the status quo by either Taiwan or China. "This not only involves the interests of Taiwan, but also involves that of the United States. It is impossible for us to consider only Taiwan's national interests and ignore the United States' national interests," Chen said.

    The president said he hopes the dispute surrounding this issue would soon come to pass because "the United States is Taiwan's best friend."

    Not to "abolish" the NUC and National Unification Guidelines was one of Chen's "five noes, " promises that he made in his inaugural addresses of 2000 and 2004, under the prerequisite that "China has no intention of using force against Taiwan."

    Earlier this month, U.S. State Department Deputy spokesman Adam Ereli issued a written statement asking Taiwan to "unambiguously affirm that the Feb. 27 announcement did not abolish the National Unification Council, did not change the status quo, and that the assurances remain in effect."

    Ereli also said that "abrogating an assurance would be changing the status quo" and that "the maintenance of Taiwan's assurances is critical to preservation of the status quo."

(By Y.F. Low)

ENDITEM/diG