Both camps unimpressed by Chen's latest remarks

In the wake of the US criticism of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) over his recent remarks on abolishing the unification council and guidelines, pan-green camp members yesterday advised Chen to plan his remarks better to avoid causing frustration, while the opposition panned Chen for inviting rebukes from the US.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Lin Cho-shui (林濁水) yesterday said it was not the first time Chen has prompted a negative response from the US.

"I personally support President Chen's ideas. However, the nation's policy should be better planned with a long-term perspective," in order to avoid it being stymied internationally, Lin said.

"The worst situation would be if the US president said something against Taiwan in front of a Chinese leader again," Lin said, referring to US President George Bush's harsh criticism of Chen in late 2003 in front of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (溫家寶), over Chen's plan to hold a referendum in 2004.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislative caucus whip Pan Wei-kang (潘維剛) yesterday said Chen was "inviting criticism and insults."

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) previously declined comment on Chen's remarks on abolishing the national unification council and guidelines. But yesterday he emphasized that Taiwan's future should be determined by its 23 million people through democratic procedures.

Su made the remarks at a luncheon as he inspected the coast guard staff in Keelung.