DPP poised for first success under Chen

The DPP is poised to have its first success on the diplomatic front since President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) became its chairman, as it expects to soon become the third member in Asia of a London-based association of liberal parties, according to a DPP official.

Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), director of the DPP's international affairs department, said yesterday the executive committee meeting of Liberal International is in the process of reviewing the DPP's application and will announce its decision late next month.

She said there is a high chance the party will become a member because there has been very little objection from members of the executive committee.

The DPP has been an observer in the organization since 1993.

A global federation of liberal parties founded in Oxford in 1947, the group unites 84 political parties from 67 countries on six continents.

If the DPP obtains approval, it will become the third member party in Asia, following the Liberal Party of Sri Lanka and the Liberal Party of the Philippines.

The director noted the admission would be of tremendous significance for the DPP because it would become a world partner in promoting democracy, freedom and party politics.

Last year, President Chen was granted the Prize for Freedom by the association. But he was unable to receive the award in person after all 15 members of the EU refused to grant Chen a visa to attend the award ceremony.

First lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) accepted the award in Strasbourg, France, on Chen's behalf.

Hsiao also said that in October the DPP will participate in a transatlantic dialogue meeting attended by members of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) and the European Liberal Democrats and Reformers.

Held in Seoul and to be presided over by South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, the meeting is scheduled to focus on issues concerning corruption fighting and government transparency.

Chen was invited to attend, but a party official said Chen would not be able to attend the meeting due to his hectic schedule. The party is still deciding who will attend the conference on Chen's behalf.

Founded in 1993 to promote peace and economic prosperity in the Asia Pacific region, CALD has eight party members. Taiwan will be the host country for its annual meeting next year.

In related news, DPP Legislator Trong Chai (蔡同榮) yesterday departed for Australia and New Zealand to invite lawmakers of the two countries to take part in the International Inter-parliamentary Conference on Asia Pacific Security in Taipei early next year.

The conference, scheduled for Jan. 7, is being sponsored by the Taiwan-USA Inter-Parliamentary Amity Association, a body in which the senior DPP lawmaker serves as president.

Chai has said the conference will provide an opportunity for lawmakers from different countries to map out a practical agenda for preserving regional stability and to cultivate diplomatic connections.

The lawmaker said he seeks to invite more than 300 lawmakers from the US, Europe and Asia to join the meeting.