Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday continued to heap criticism on the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) delegation, led by Vice Chairman Chiang Pin-kun (江丙坤), for the 10-point agreement reached with Chinese officials.
During his weekly briefing to lawmakers at the legislature, Hsieh made the remarks yesterday when asked by lawmakers to comment on Chiang's 10-point agreement. He said that any agreement was controversial and bad for the country.
"Chiang's visit to China is quite controversial, although the agreement was not written down in black and white," Hsieh said. "If he visits in the capacity of KMT vice chairman, it is fine. But if he visits as a lawmaker, it is obviously controversial."
PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Hsieh was briefing lawmakers on the "Act Governing Relations Between Peoples of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area" (兩岸人民關係條例), which clearly states that civil servants and government officials -- including lawmakers -- cannot not negotiate or execute agreements with Beijing without authorization from the government.
"Chinese officials must study our laws so they do not think the [the agreement with the KMT ] is valid," Hsieh said.
The premier also said that he is fine with the visit if Chiang simply acts in his capacity as the KMT vice chairman and attempts to bring about a renewed round of cross-strait talks. However, if he intends to sign an agreement, he will first need to seek government authorization before he does so.
In addition, the premier said that the Chen Shui-bian (
"I was surprised when I read the news of a 10-point agreement between [Chiang] and the Chinese officials," Hsieh said. "Chiang was more than welcome to talk with us regarding any potential agreement. Anything is possible."
Hsieh also said that given Beijing's recent enactment of the "Anti-Secession" Law targeting Taiwan, he thought the timing of the KMT visit was ill-conceived.
"Hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese were on the streets on March 26 to oppose the `Anti-Secession' Law. Then Chiang decided to take off for China on March 28," Hsieh said. "This has subverted the strength of our unity."
The premier also said he hopes that other political parties won't race off to China to negotiate agreements with Beijing without first seeking authorization from the government.
"This is not good for Taiwan," Hsieh said. "I understand that politicians from different parties might want to take advantage of this issue to show their supporters how open-minded they are and how they are able to cooperate with Beijing. But, this should not be happening because it is bad for our country."
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