Dec. 1 elections: Lien invites leaders to post-election summit

KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) plans to invite the nation's political leaders to a summit after today's elections to discuss "the future course to be taken by the country."

In addition to President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and his predecessor Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), Lien plans to invite DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷), People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) and New Party convener Hsieh Chi-ta (謝啟大).

Though leaders of the DPP, PFP and New Party have given their approval to Lien's proposal, Lee refused the invitation, saying "it is too late" for Lien to make the move now.

Lien proposed the summit one day after he said the KMT would put together a "national alliance to uphold the Constitution" if Chen refuses to yield the right to form the Cabinet to the majority in the legislature.

President Chen has proposed a "cross-party alliance for national stabilization," which he would consult on the formation of the Cabinet. The president has said he will meet with Lien after the legislative polls to discuss the idea.

Lien had proposed meeting before today's elections, but Chen turned down the offer.

According to Lien, the proposed summit is intended as a gesture of goodwill. He urged all parties to put aside their past grievances and move on so that they can work together to create a new political environment.

"We are very concerned about the situation today, in light of the economic recession, social unrest and political development that isn't consistent with the Constitution," Lien said.

"Let us sit down and exchange views peacefully to find a path for the country, for the well-being of the people," he said.

Hsieh said he would take part in the summit as long as it is beneficial to Taiwan. He noted that he attended a KMT-initiated summit in September to discuss the implementation of the policies put forth by the Economic Development Advisory Council.

Chang Hsien-yao (張顯耀), director of the PFP's Center for Policy Research, said his party would welcome any proposal that would improve the nation's political stability.

But the main priority is for political leaders to establish mutual trust, Chang said.

Hsieh Chi-ta, meanwhile, said the New Party supports Lien's proposal and will cooperate with the KMT.