Thu, May 01, 2008 - Page 1 News List

Voices for, against new MAC chief grow

MAINLAND AFFAIRS While several KMT legislators said Lai Shin-yuan was the ‘wrong appointment,’ the DPP’s Koo Kwang-ming said she could help promote independence

By Flora Wang and Ko Shu-ling  /  STAFF REPORTERS

“I repeat: My views on cross-strait affairs are synonymous with those of president-elect Ma Ying-jeou,” Lai said.

Lai said that she supported the “one China, different interpretations” approach that constituted the so-called “1992 consensus” and that she agreed with Ma’s “no unification, no independence, no war” policy.

Lai and Chiang said they would work together smoothly.

“The president has direct jurisdiction over cross-strait affairs because he has the final say on all major decisions. The MAC functions like a facilitator to make sure all voices across the spectrum are heard, including those of the public,” Chiang said.

Chiang added that the SEF is the only private organization authorized to negotiate with Beijing.

Lai said although she is a TSU member, she would not take part in party activities during her term.

DPP chairmanship candidate Koo Kwang-ming (辜寬敏) said Lai could use her influence to explain the pro-independence perspective to Beijing, because she would be the only Cabinet official in the KMT administration who is in favor of independence.

Additional reporting by Mo Yan-chih, Jenny W. Hsu and CNA

Also See: EDITORIAL: Et tu, my KMT colleagues?

This story has been viewed 3072 times.
TOP top