Tue, Apr 26, 2005 - Page 1 News List

Chen, Lien chat briefly by phone

FRIENDLY TONE In a short talk ahead of Lien's trip to China, the president gave the KMT chairman a cordial reminder that he couldn't sign agreements on his own

By Huang Tai-lin and Caroline Hong  /  STAFF REPORTERS

Lien assured Chen that if there is a positive reaction from China during his trip, the KMT will hand over the results to the government so it can consider whether to take action.

Lien emphasized yesterday that the KMT has long supported the Constitution of the Republic of China, the nation's dignity and the people's happiness. Lien told Chen the 10-point list of proposals agreed on last month were also done for the good of the Taiwanese people. If the government can view the proposals positively, Lien said, the country and society will benefit.

In response to their disagreement on the "1992 Consensus," Lien said yesterday that it was natural in a democracy for ruling and opposition parties to have differing views. Lien also thanked Chen for his statements in recent days in support of his trip.

KMT Spokeswoman Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) said that despite the recent controversy, Lien did not do any "reporting" to Chen in his call. Cheng characterized the call as smooth and natural, and said the conversation was in Taiwanese.

Lien leaves for Nanjing today and will return on May 3. Lien, his accompanying family members and party officials will visit Lien's ancestral home in Xian and meet Taiwanese businessmen in Shanghai. The highlight of his trip will be on Friday, when he meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤).

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