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PFP calls for party leaders to hold summit

PFP legislative caucus whip Chiu Yi, second from left, PFP Legislator Liu Wen-hsiung, left, PFP Legislator Chou Hsi-wei, second from right, and director of the PFP's Center of Policy Research Chang Hsien-yao, right, hold a press conference at the Legislative Yuan yesterday to suggest that James Soong and Lien Chan visit President Chen Shui-bian and talk over important bills awaiting review in the next legislative session. PHOTO: CNA

The PFP legislature caucus yesterday suggested that both PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) and KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) visit President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in his capacity as DPP chairman to exchange views on important legislative bills.

"In view of a discrepancy concerning Premier Yu Shyi-kun's recent charges against the Legislative Yuan, we think it is a good idea to have both Soong and Lien visit Chen to talk over important bills that are still to be reviewed in the next session," said PFP legislature caucus whip Chiu Yi (邱毅) at a press conference.

Chiu was referring to recent charges by Premier Yu Shyi-kun that the opposition is filibustering the administration's agenda at every turn in the Legislative Yuan.

Citing examples such as bills governing direct cross-strait transportation, financial reforms and economic development, Chiu said that a meeting between Soong, Lien and Chen would help speed the Legislature Yuan's efficiency in reviewing and passing important bills in its next session.

Noting that the presidential election is less than nine months away, PFP Legislator Liu Wen-hsiung (劉文雄) said that talks between party leaders would help the bill be tackled smoothly in the next legislature session and without distraction from the presidential election.

In response to the PFP's call, Presidential Office spokesman James Huang (黃志芳) said that president is always open to meet with all opposition party leaders to talk over legislature bills that concern the welfare of the general public.

"The meeting ought not be just with one single political party but all opposition leaders as it is more meaningful that way," Huang said.

Adding that there were several cases in the past in which both Lien and Soong refused Chen Shui-bian's invitation to meet, DPP legislative caucus whip Chen Ching-chun (陳景峻) said that "the PFP legislative caucus's suggestion is all that one could wish for. The DPP caucus is more than open to the suggestion that Lien and Soong meet with Chen Shui-bian."

When asked to comment on the PFP caucus's suggestion, Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) said, "I would be glad to see such an idea realized."

Meanwhile, in a chat with press in Taichung City over breakfast, Lien reaffirmed his confidence in Soong, saying that he placed high confidence in Soong's governing experience.

Stressing that both parties still retain their autonomy, Lien brushed away recent rumors of discord within the KMT-PFP alliance, dismissing them as political maneuver by the DPP meant to drive wedge between the two.

Lien branded the DPP administration incompetent in governance and implementing policies, "therefore as result of that, it is still calling for reforms as it stepping into its fourth year in office."

In addition, Soong yesterday said that he is willing to stage a televised debate with Chen over which party is really filibustering bills in the Legislature Yuan.

In response, DPP Deputy Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan (李應元) said that having the Legislature Yuan hold a previsionary session would serve as a function that's tantamount to having a debate.
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