The nation's top representative to Brussels, David Lee (李大維) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), may take up the position of the nation's top diplomat in Washington once the Cabinet is reshuffled, sources said yesterday.
"The appointment could be finalized as soon as the US government approves it," said a source at the Presidential Office.
In other appointments, Cabinet Spokesman Lin Chia-lung (
In addition, Wu Maw-kuen (
According to Lin Chia-lung, President Chen Shui-bian (
"In fact, the president has discussed this matter with Premier Yu Shyi-kun several times," Lin said.
"The premier, however, respects the decision of the president because, after all, the appointment of high-ranking officials in the fields of foreign affairs, cross-strait affairs and national defense fall under the jurisdiction of the president.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Deputy Secretary General Lee Ying-yuan (
"He's a competent civil servant and an outstanding diplomat," he said.
David Lee, 55, served as a staff consultant at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Washington between 1982 and 1988 and as a principal assistant to the foreign minister from 1988 to 1989. He then moved back and forth between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GIO and was appointed to his current job last year.
Commenting on David Lee's political affiliation, Cheng Wen-tsan (
"Diplomats represent the country and should work for the interests of the country. The government is bound to lose a lot of diplomatic talent after the transfer of power if people's political backgrounds become an issue," Cheng said.
Legislative Speaker and KMT Vice Chairman Wang Jin-pyng (
"We're happy that his performance is being recognized by the DPP administration," Wang said.
"It's not easy to find a suitable representative to the US because the person has to be well aware of the political climate there and have broad and direct connections with important people," Wang said.
Meanwhile, DPP Legislator Parris Chang (
"I told him that I'm willing to accept any challenge, although he failed to specify what particular position he has in mind for me," Chang said.
Speculation was rife that Chang would take up the position of deputy secretary-general at the National Security Council.
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