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PRESIDENT'S REMARKS `UNRELATED TO TAIWAN INDEPENDENCE': OFFICIALS

ROC Central News Agency

2007-03-05 21:18:42

    Taipei, March 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian's most recent remarks about Taiwan's sovereignty and cross-Taiwan Strait relations are not meant to proclaim Taiwan independence, nor are they a prelude to changing Taiwan's official designation, Presidential Deputy Secretary-General Cho Jung-tai said Monday.

    Cho's remarks came after Chen said the previous night at a dinner party marking the 25th anniversary of the Washington, D. C.-based pro-independence Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) that Taiwan wants formal proclamation of Taiwan independence, "rectification" of its national designation, new constitution and development -- which Chen dubbed his "four wants and one without."

    In Taiwan, there is no dispute over which path the country should take, rather it is an issue about national identification, Chen said.

    According to Chu, Chen issued the statement out of grave concern amid the growing threat from China.

    Brushing aside criticism that Chen's remarks were electioneering prior to December's legislative elections and the 2008 presidential race, Cho said that Chen would be an irresponsible head of state if he were to turn a blind eye to the situation.

    The government has to be consistent and coherent in its policy and the president's statement on an important occasion must not be misrepresented as a scheme to solicit voter support at a time when China has spared no efforts to reinforce its military buildup aimed at Taiwan, Chu said.

    Another presidential deputy secretary-general, Chen Chi-mai, admitted that Chen's words were in essence what he felt and learned after serving as Taiwan president since 2000.

    Chen Chi-mai urged the public to "think positively" of the president's remarks, which he described as being aimed at raising public awareness of the Taiwan identity concept.

    What the president said has "nothing to do" with his " five noes" policy outlined in his 2000 inauguration speech, neither does it breach the platform of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) or violate his "five noes" promise, according to Chen Chi-mai, who did not elaborate.

    President Chen's desire to proclaim Taiwan independence is not a regression in his pursuit of the cause, rather it is a noble task for the country, Chen Chi-mai said.

(By Flor Wang)

ENDITEM/J