KMT will not back off from its U.N. bid
ROC Central News Agency
2007-09-03 21:59:39
Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) The main opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate denied Monday that he has felt pressure from any side over the party's push to hold a referendum on the country's membership at the United Nation, and said that he will continue promoting the party's campaign on the issue.
Ma Ying-jeou made the comments in response to reporters' questions after the Taipei-based China Times reported earlier the same day that China, through KMT Honorary Chairman Lien Chan, sent a letter two weeks ago to Ma expressing its objection to the KMT's efforts to put the country's U.N. membership bid to a public referendum.
Asserting that he has not been aware of any pressure from either the United States or China over the issue, Ma said that the KMT's bid on the country's re-entry to the United Nations is reflective of public opinion and in line with the Republic of China government's past stance. "I have never heard of such a matter (China's letter) and have not sensed any pressure from any side over the country's U.N. cause," Ma said.
He also brushed aside speculation that he might back away from the KMT's U.N. membership campaign out of concern that it crosses the red line drawn by China in sensitive cross-Taiwan Strait relations. "No, I will not do so, never," he replied.
KMT spokesman Su Chun-pin stressed that the report about China's protest letter was a "rumor." The KMT will pay attention to concerns from both the U.S. and Chinese sides, but the desire of the people of Taiwan to realize U.N. membership must be respected by the international community, he said.
Ting Yuan-chao, director at Lien's office, said that there was indeed a letter from China discussing possible implications of Taiwan's holding a referendum on its U.N. membership, but added that it was not signed by Communist Party of China General Secretary Hu Jintao.
He also ruled out the possibility of Lien's role as a messenger as reported in the China Times.
KMT Secretary-General Wu Den-yih also denied "knowledge" of the alleged protest letter from China, saying that neither the party nor Ma, its candidate in the March 22, 2008 presidential election, will hold back in their efforts to push for the country to re-join the United Nations. "KMT central has not received any message or similar information in this regard from China," he added.
Although it is true that party members have different standpoints as to whether the country should pursue re-entry to the United Nations, he said, it is "incorrect" to say that the KMT was following the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) lead in calling for a U.N. bid referendum.
The country's re-joining the United Nations is an issue highly endorsed by Taiwan's people and the party will not alter its stance just because of China's opposition, Wu said.
Wu admitted that Taichung Mayor Jason Hu, a KMT member, did suggest the party delay for two weeks a march slated for Sept. 15 in Taichung to solicit public backing for its U.N. bid referendum plan because both China and the United States have voiced objections to Taiwan's U.N. cause, but went on to say that the party has decided to hold the parade as scheduled after extensive discussion.
The KMT will not slow its pace in promoting U.N. membership for the country despite interference, and Ma has stepped up communications with Hu to mend their differences with regard to the planned march, he added.
The DPP, which has been seeking to hold a referendum on Taiwan's U.N. cause along with the coming presidential election, will also hold a rally Sept. 15 in Kaohsiung to underscore its determination to push ahead on the issue.
(By Flor Wang)
enditem/jnc
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