Political grouping asks president to be its chairman

The Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, an association of political parties from nine countries that promotes democracy in the region, has invited President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to chair the council from November next year, the DPP said yesterday.

In addition, the council will invite Chen to Seoul for talks with a similar European-based organization in October and hold an assembly in Taipei once he assumes the chairmanship, the DPP statement said.

The statement did not indicate whether he would accept the position.

DPP Legislator at large Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳), who is representing the DPP at an assembly of the council in Indonesia, is credited by the party as having secured the diplomatic achievement for the president.

The assembly passed a resolution to hold a meeting with the European Liberals, Democrats and Reformers in Seoul this October which will be attended by more than 10 representatives of the European Parliament, the statement said.

The Seoul meeting will be hosted by South Korean President Kim Dae-jung.

Liu expressed her appreciation for the support from the representatives from the member parties at the June 12-25 assembly.

The council, which was founded in 1993, includes parties from Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Cambodia.