DPP and PFP heads meet

Heads of the DPP and People First Party (PFP) made a public appearance together yesterday as a display of cooperation, saying both parties should work to maintain friendly communication.

The DPP is eager to break up a stalemate between it and the opposition PFP and KMT and has been making moves recently to improve communication channels between them.

DPP chairman Frank Hsieh, (謝長廷), previously mayor of Kaohsiung City, yesterday visited PFP Central Headquarters accompanied by DPP Secretary-general Wu Nai-jen (吳乃仁). The two were welcomed by PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) and Vice Chairman Chang Chao-hsiung (張昭雄). The four held discussions on issues ranging from cross-strait relations and constitutional reform to Kaohsiung City government affairs. Hsieh said public opinion polls showed that over 70 percent supported reconciliation between political parties.

Soong responded that the PFP was dedicated to helping stabilize the political situation but that it would continue in its roll as a check to the ruling party.

"We are willing to attend President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) round-table meeting to offer our suggestions," Soong said. "But, we are not an insignificant player, but instead are a powerful opposition party supervising the new government."