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Presidential sources say Chen stung into action by Lin I-hsiung's appeal

Responding to former DPP chairman Lin I-hsiung's (林義雄) appeal for a referendum on the future of the Forth Nuclear Power Plant, a DPP insider said that the Presidential Office had asked the party's legislative caucus to facilitate the passage of a new referendum law.

"President Chen fully respects former chairman Lin's protest," said the source. "He believes that Lin's action may create a new opportunity for the DPP government to seek more public support on halting the nuclear power plant's construction."

The source said that Chen has to remain neutral in the anti-nuclear movement to allow the Cabinet to carry out its duties. However, he has instructed Premier Yu Shyi-kun to map out measures to solve the controversial issue, which has lasted decades and wasted too much of the tax payers' money, the source said.

The source said that handling the referendum law remains difficult because opposition parties still link the referendum law with the push for independence.

"To show the DPP government's sincerity and ease the tension between President Chen and Lin, the Executive Yuan will hold a high-ranking conference around June and invite President Chen, Lin I-hsiung, and Premier Yu to exchange views and reach a decision," said the source.

He added that the conference will discuss topics such as the legislation for a nuclear-free homeland, the decommissioning of all nuclear power plants and the issues surrounding the construction of the Forth Nuclear Power Plant.

Some DPP leaders were worried that Lin's comments may affect traditional DPP supporters in the coming presidential campaign.

"Lin fully endorsed Chen during the 2000 presidential campaign and used his influences to persuade internal dissenters to back Chen," a senior official from DPP central headquarters said. "Chen promised to end the construction of the Forth Nuclear Power Plant if he won the election."

"President Chen knows that the issue is bound to raise its head again," the official said.

DPP Legislator Hong Chi-chang (洪奇昌) also said that the DPP believes Lin will not stand against the party in next year's election if the government still fails to deliver on its promise of a referendum law. However, he said Lin's anger may turn off grassroots and even middle class voters, the backbone of the DPP's support.

"If the Cabinet cannot propose a proper measure to respond to Lin's requests and those of the anti-nuclear groups," Hong said, "Lin will definitely express his disappointment with Chen's administration."

"And none of the party's leaders will dare to underestimate the impact of Lin's remarks on our traditional supporters," Hong added.

A close aide to the president stressed that communication between Chen and Lin has not been affected by the spat. "Their relationship is much better than what the media described," the aide said.

"To create a nuclear-free homeland is the common goal of President Chen and Lin," said the aide. "What they must further discuss is the process and means to realize that goal."

He said that Lin's action will boost the government's resolve to solve the controversial issue but also bring more pressure to bear on the Cabinet.
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