Government again urges Lien to talk to Chen before trip

The Presidential Office repeated its call yesterday for Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) to meet with President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to discuss the agenda of his planned trip to China.

After the KMT unveiled Lien's plan to visit China yesterday, Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General James Huang (黃志芳) reiterated Chen's willingness to talk to Lien.

Meanwhile, another Presidential Office official said the government might authorize Lien's visit. However, in the interest of national unity between the ruling and opposition parties, the president hopes that Lien will consult with the government on issues related to national sovereignty before his trip, the official said.

The KMT, riled by Chen's comments about Lien's trip on Saturday, said the president lacked sincerity and rejected the offer of a meeting. Huang stressed that Chen is sincere in his offer.

"If Lien agrees to meet with the president, the Presidential Office will cooperate with the KMT in arranging technical details of the talks," Huang said.

Upon his return to Taipei on Saturday after attending Pope John Paul II's funeral, Chen warned Lien not to play along with Beijing's manipulations.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said a recent poll showed the public hopes the country will reach consensus on cross-strait issues before it starts dialogue with China.

"Meetings between political leaders are the best way to reach consensus," Lai said. "But the KMT is afraid Lien will not be able to see Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) if he meets with President Chen. The KMT places its interest beyond that of the people and the country."

also see story:

KMT: Lien's trip will be `open'