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'FOUR WANTS' NOT POLICY ABOUT-FACE: PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

ROC Central News Agency

2007-03-05 23:52:12

    Taipei, March 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian's "four wants, one without" statement is an explanation of his longstanding Taiwan-centric policies and by no means marks an about-face, a Presidential Office spokesman said Monday.

    Addressing a dinner party held in Taipei Sunday to celebrate the 25th founding anniversary of the Washington-based pro-independence Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) , Chen said Taiwan wants independence, a new constitution, development and a change of its official name, and that 'Taiwan' is the best name for the country to use in its bid to join the United Nations and other international organizations. "Moreover, there is no such problem as left and right in the path of development but there is only the problem of independence and reunification," said Chen.

    This so-called "four wants and one without" statement immediately drew broadside from China and Taiwan's pro-unification opposition parties. They accused Chen of violating the "four noes" pledge he made in his 2000 inaugural speech, under which Chen promised no pursuit of formal Taiwan independence nor change of the national title so long as China doesn't intend to take Taiwan by force.

    The Presidential Office spokesman said the "fouir wants, one without" is unrelated to the "four noes" and by no means a declaration of Taiwan independence.

    According to the spokesman, Chen had discussed with his chief and deputy chief of staff before delivering the "four wants" statement. "As they believe that the doctrine has not violated any Taiwan promise to the United States, President Chen didn't bother to inform the U.S. authorities of any details regarding his speech, " the spokesman said.

    Stressing that China has spared no efforts to suppress Taiwan militarily and diplomatically, the spokesman said the "four wants, one without" statement serves to remind local people of China's perennial threat and invite their attention key points of his administration's Taiwan-centric policy line and stance.

(By Sofia Wu)

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