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Taiwan lawmakers arrive in U.S. to visit submarine manufacturers

ROC Central News Agency

2007-08-15 18:55:10

    New York, Aug. 15 (CNA) Seven lawmakers from across the party spectrum arrived at the United States Tuesday to conduct a feasibility study for a submarine procurement deal.

    Main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Liao Wan-ju said the purpose of the visit is to learn about the production capacity of U.S. submarine manufacturers and the attitude of the U.S. government toward the deal.

    The group hopes to "obtain the best submarines for Taiwan at the most reasonable price," according to Liao.

    Members of the group also include KMT legislators Shuai Hua-ming and Su Chi, Fu Kun-chi of the opposition People First Party, Ho Ming-hao of the opposition Taiwan Solidarity Union and Chang Hua-kuan and Shen Fa-hui of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

    On speculation that the group could also make a feasibility study on E-2 aircraft and other arms procurement deals, Liao said the group wants to keep the mission simple and will not include other feasibly studies "in principle."

    Ho also said they have tight schedule and that it will be a "mission-oriented and professional" visit.

    In addition to visiting the Pentagon and other related U.S. government agencies, they will also visit four submarine manufacturers.

    Due to the media criticism prior to the group's departure that the trip is a waste of taxpayers' money, the legislators have to foot part of their travel expenses out of their own pockets. The remaining fees will be paid by the Ministry of National Defense and the Legislative Yuan, None of the expenditure will come from the NT$200 million (US$6.06 million) budget set aside for assessing the feasibility of the submarine deal or the most suitable type of vessel for Taiwan's needs.

    The group traveled to Washington Wednesday and will also visit Boston as well as four arms manufacturers -- Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics -- before returning to Taiwan August 24.

(By Hwang Jaw-pyng and Lilian Wu)

ENDITEM/J