DPP candidate supports both U.N. bid referendums
ROC Central News Agency
2008-01-18 18:00:44
Taipei, Jan. 18 (CNA) The ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate said Thursday in a TV interview that he would vote in favor of the two referendums -- including one proposed by the opposition Kuomingtang -- that will be held along with the March 22 presidential election.
Hsieh was referring to a referendum proposal initiated by the DPP on whether the country should apply for U.N. membership under the name "Taiwan" and one by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) on whether the country should regain U.N. membership under the name Republic of China or another appropriate name.
Speaking in a television interview with DPP legislator-turned-critic Sissy Chen, Hsieh said that no matter what title Taiwan uses in applying to join international organinzations, the most important thing is for Taiwan's people to express their aspiration to take part in the international community.
He also rejected charges that President Chen Shui-bian's recent naming of Hsieh as one of those who proposed the DPP-initiated referendum was meant to remind the United States of Hsieh's role on the issue.
Senior U.S. officials have voiced disapproval of the DPP-initiated referendum on a number of occasions, describing it as a provocation that would unnecessarily raise tensions across the Taiwan Strait and not benefit Taiwan on the international stage.
Hsieh said it made no sense that the United States did not know who proposed the idea.
The DPP standard bearer, who was selected as the party's new chairman after President Chen Shui-bian stepped down from the post to take the blame for last Saturday's legislative defeat, also stressed that he was now in command of his own presidential campaign and would take full responsibility for the party's performance in the election.
Asked whether the president had become a burden, Hsieh said that not only Chen but the party itself could both help or hinder his campaign and that he would accept the outcome.
Dismissing speculation that Chen is still in the driver's seat, Hsieh asserted that he is now in charge of retooling his campaign, but would still take Chen's opinions into consideration.
Hsieh also addressed how he might work with a legislature in which the opposition party has nearly three-quarters of the seats.
He reiterated his preference to appoint a CEO as premier if elected, but considered that option unlikely with the KMT holding such a big edge in the lawmaking body. He would, therefore, negotiate with the KMT before appointing a premier.
Hsieh also broached the concept of forging a coalition government in the future to promote co-governance and cooperation among all sectors of society.
Touching on the "three links" -- direct transportation, communications and trade links between Taiwan and China -- Hsieh indicated a willingness to expand direct charter flights across the Taiwan Strait and open Taiwan to Chinese tourists.
The DPP hopeful said he is in favor of gradually expanding charter flight services from the Lunar New Year holidays to weekends and even daily flights, as a way to avoid controversy over whether the flights would be regarded as domestic or international.
Hsieh also challenged KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou's promise to launch weekend cross-strait charter flights within a month or two and open Taiwan to Chinese tourists within six months of taking office. "Can he guarantee China will agree with that? " Hsieh questioned, saying it was unrealistic to make the pledge before holding negotiations with China.
(By Y.L. Kao)
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