In reaction to the Taiwan Solidarity Union's (TSU) demand that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) concede campaign space in the year-end elections for city and county heads, DPP officials said yesterday that the TSU's attitude will not help its election chances or bring about an atmosphere of cooperation.
The DPP is expected to announce its nominations for the year-end elections today. Since last week, the TSU has been negotiating with the DPP to prevent it from nominating candidates in at least one or two counties in order to give the TSU candidates in those counties a chance. TSU Chairman Shu Chin-chiang's (
The TSU has said that if the DPP does not agree to the arrangement, the TSU will nominate former president Lee Teng-hui's (
The TSU's newly-appointed Secretary-General, Cheng Cheng-lung (
The DPP official responded that he did not mean to say anything to make the TSU feel bad or to spread rumors.
"Both the DPP and the TSU are focused on defending Taiwan's sovereignty and independence and are members of the pan-green camp," Cheng Wen-tsan said. "We believe it is the TSU's right to nominate its own candidates in the year-end elections, which the DPP will respect."
"However, when it comes to cooperation, a proper atmosphere and timing are indispensable," Cheng Wen-tsan said.
Cheng Wen-tsan said the DPP understood that the TSU wanted to negotiate an end to DPP-TSU competition, but that the DPP has its primary system, which it must respect.
"The TSU should not extend the battle lines without end," Cheng Wen-tsan added.
After DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (
"Patience will bear fruit. If you want to do the right thing you have to use the right way," Cheng Wen-tsan said. "I'm afraid that the TSU's plan would only be counterproductive ... The TSU may only infuriate DPP supporters and make them more united."
DPP secretary-general Lee Yi-yang (
Aftershocks from a magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck off Yilan County at 3:45pm yesterday could reach a magnitude of 5 to 5.5, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said. Seismological Center technical officer Chiu Chun-ta (邱俊達) told a news conference that the epicenter of the temblor was more than 100km from Taiwan. Although predicted to measure between magnitude 5 and 5.5, the aftershocks would reach an intensity of 1 on Taiwan’s 7-tier scale, which gauges the actual effect of an earthquake, he said. The earthquake lasted longer in Taipei because the city is in a basin, he said. The quake’s epicenter was about 128.9km east-southeast
The Taipei Summer Festival is to begin tomorrow at Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕), featuring four themed firework shows and five live music performances throughout the month, the Taipei Department of Information and Tourism said today. The festival in the city’s Datong District (大同) is to run until Aug. 30, holding firework displays on Wednesdays and the final Saturday of the event. The first show is scheduled for tomorrow, followed by Aug. 13, 20 and 30. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Disney Pixar's movie Toy Story, the festival has partnered with Walt Disney Co (Taiwan) to host a special themed area on
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The New Taipei City Government today warned about the often-overlooked dangers of playing in water, and recommended safe swimming destinations to cool off from the summer heat. The following locations in the city as safe and fun for those looking to enjoy the water: Chienshuiwan (淺水灣), Baishawan (白沙灣), Jhongjiao Bay (中角灣), Fulong Beach Resort (福隆海水浴場) and Sansia District’s (三峽) Dabao River (大豹溪), New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department Director-General Yang Tsung-min (楊宗珉) said. Outdoor bodies of water have variables outside of human control, such as changing currents, differing elevations and environmental hazards, all of which can lead to accidents, Yang said. Sudden