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Independence groups say they won't attend DPP rally

Five pro-independence groups yesterday turned down a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) invitation to join in a DPP rally opposing China's "anti-secession" law tomorrow in Taipei.

They said that they will instead participate in the Taiwan Solidarity Union's (TSU) demonstration against the law to be held in Kaohsiung tomorrow.

Leaders of the pro-independence groups -- including Northern Taiwan Society chairman Wu Shuh-min (吳樹民), Southern Taiwan Society chairman Tseng Kuei-hai (曾貴海), Central Taiwan Society chairman Ho Li-hsin (何黎星), Eastern Taiwan Society chairman Winston Yu (余文儀) and president of the Taiwan Professors' Association, Tai Pao-tsun (戴寶村) -- issued a statement yesterday denying they had promised to help the DPP organize a rally in Taipei, as DPP Secretary-General Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) said on Thursday evening.

"We approve of the DPP holding a rally that will show the Taiwanese people's resolve in opposing China's aim to annex Taiwan," the statement said. "And we encourage all the political parties and the entire public to come with us and join in the activities that defend Taiwan's security."

"However, we disapprove of the DPP announcing that we would participate [in the Taipei rally] without asking our permission first," the statement said.

"The DPP's attitude made us feel as though it is a party of opportunists and one which only wants to take credit for the efforts of others. The DPP's way of doing things will only harm the unity of the independence movement and is not helpful at all," it added.

The five groups also urged the DPP, which is regarded as the foundation of the nation's democracy movement, not to give up its ideals and to continue to serve as a navigator for the Taiwanese people given that it is the governing party.

The leaders also said they were willing to work with the DPP in the future, but not at this time.

Meanwhile, Wang Kang-hou (王康厚), secretary-general of the World United Formosans for Independence (WUFI) yesterday responded to an appeal by six major industry and commerce groups urging President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) not to be constrained by "a group of pro-independence activists," adding that the WUFI stands firmly behind the idea of independence for Taiwan and supports the president.

"[The WUFI] wants to remind President Chen not to mistake cross-strait affairs for the domestic affairs of China, which would jeopardize Taiwan's security," he said.

Wang added that although WUFI chairman Ng Chiau-tong (黃昭堂) had resigned from his post of presidential adviser, he would continue to offer his advice to Chen if he has the opportunity.
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