Presidential Office Secretary-General Chiou I-jen (
"We think the US is worried this [referendum] is only a first step, and they are trying to understand what the next step will be," Chiou said, adding Washington fears the nation's flag, name, and status quo may be changed.
Chiou and his deputy, Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), invited foreign media for tea at the Presidential Office and elaborated on President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) recent campaign promises, including plans for a referendum and new constitution.
Chen intends to hold the referendum on the same date as the presidential election, March 20, to demand that China remove its missiles aimed at Taiwan and renounce the use of force against Taiwan.
understanding
Chiou said communication between Taiwan and the US remains close, but admitted that Chen's administration has yet to convince Washington to support the referendum.
"We will let them understand that even the next [step] is fine," he said.
Chen announced on Sept. 28 that he will lead the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to push for a new constitution.
In October, he provided a timetable, saying the party would develop a draft constitution by the end of 2006, put the draft to a referendum and implement a new constitution in 2008.
Chiou said yesterday that Chen's administration will be cautious and rational in writing a new constitution and will not make any radical moves.
"Theoretically, the government has no right to restrain people from proposing changing the country's name," Chiou said, "but the government will focus on 12 items, which we proposed last year, and those items have no relation to independence."
Chiou also said the government will present a draft of the wording of Chen's defensive referendum before the end of this month.
taking message abroad
He said countries such as the US, Japan and those in the EU will understand Taiwan's stance and accept the realization of direct democracy.
"The wording of the referendum will be finalized in late February, but a draft will be proposed in late January," Chiou said.
Wu confirmed yesterday that three special delegations organized by the National Security Council (NSC) will depart on Saturday to the US, Europe and Japan to explain the significance and purpose of the referendum.
"During the nine-day trip, we will meet with think tanks, the media and overseas Taiwanese groups to explain the president's referendum plan as well as the presidential election, democratic development and Taiwan-China ties," he said. "Moreover, they will listen to foreign heavyweights' suggestions and bring those back.
"We hope to make them aware that Taiwan has no intention of changing the status quo," said Wu, who will head the delegation to the US.
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