Chen to tighten cross-strait policies

Chen hinted that Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) had deliberately confused the international community by telling international media that "unification" is his party's ultimate goal.

Given China's animosity, Chen said that no matter how cross-strait relations develop, Taiwan will adhere to the four principles of "sovereignty, democracy, peace and parity." With regard to Taiwan's future, no leeway will be given for either the KMT or the Chinese Communist Party to impose a set of choices that precludes democratic freedom or in any way contravenes these four principles, Chen said.

The president also shouldered the blame for the "failings" of some of his party members.

Yesterday afternoon, Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) convened a emergency Cabinet meeting to work out six specific measures to put Chen's speech into effect.

Concerning cross-strait policy, Hsieh asked officials not to propose "opening" policies without a plan for effective management.

With regard to the president's concern about officials' integrity, Hsieh said he was considering whether to ask certain officials to have their assets put in trust.