Soong says KMT rules prohibit his homecoming

The PFP responded yesterday to the KMT's recent appeal for former members to "come home" by saying the former ruling party must first show its goodwill by changing its charter.

Viola Chen (陳萬水), wife of PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), said Soong is not unwilling to return to the KMT, but the "anti-Soong" clause in the KMT's charter prevents him from doing so.

Chen was referring to rules set in the charter after Soong's ouster from the KMT in 1999. Soong was punted for his decision to run for the presidency last year against the party's nominee Lien Chan (連戰).

According to party rules, former members who rejoin the party are prohibited from becoming a member of the Central Committee for three years. Also, those ousted from the party are prohibited for life from assuming the position of chairman.

Because of these rules, Soong could not rise to a position of power within the party if he returned, Chen said.

"If the KMT is willing to amend its charter to show its goodwill, I believe Soong will sit down to discuss the matter," she said.

Chen made the remarks during a campaign stop in Penghu where party veterans -- KMT and PFP supporters -- expressed their desire to see the two parties work together.

Lien, now KMT chairman, yesterday repeated his call for former party members to return home and stand united in opposition to the DPP.

Lien said a homecoming is a natural, happy and instinctive impulse.

"It is like birds, which always come home after flying and flying," Lien said.

KMT spokesman Justin Chou (周守訓) said "no problem will be unsolvable" as long as Soong is sincere about coming back.

Chou said the KMT is a party with a middle-of-the-road approach and would not exclude the possibility of any former comrades coming home.