Cheng was one of seven local government chiefs who invited the Nobel laureate to visit.
Cheng also panned the government for its inhospitable reception of the Dalai Lama, such as downgrading his security detail and Ma’s refusal to meet with him, saying such gestures had left the public feeling “uncomfortable.”
In related news, an envoy of Pope Benedict XVI arrived yesterday for a nine-day visit to attend an international humanitarian assistance conference in Taipei and to provide comfort to Morakot survivors.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release said Cardinal Paul Cordes, president of the Holy See’s Pontifical Council Cor Unum, will preside over the Spiritual Exercise for the Leaders of the Church’s Charitable Organization in Asia 2009, which opens on Monday at Fu Jen Catholic University.
Cordes will also visit Kaohsiung and Pingtung counties to convey the pope’s concern for Morakot’s victims, the press release said.
“At a time when reconstruction is being carried out after part of our country was devastated by Morakot, the cardinal’s visit and the holding of the conference will bring great comfort and consolation to our people,” the release said.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY JENNY W. HSU
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