The Presidential Office repeated its call yesterday for Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (
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 (
"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 (
also see story:
KMT: Lien's trip will be `open'
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