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 (
Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr arrived in Taiwan last night to kick off his first visit to the country since beginning his second term earlier this year. After arriving at Taoyuan International Airport at around 6:30 pm, Whipps and his delegation were welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍). Speaking to gathered media, the Palauan leader said he was excited and honored to be back in Taiwan on his first state visit to Taiwan since he was sworn in this January. Among those traveling with Whipps is Minister of State Gustav N. Aitaro, Public Infrastructure
President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday thanked Palau for its continued support of Taiwan's international participation, as Taipei was once again excluded from the World Health Assembly (WHA) currently taking place in Switzerland. "Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan" in the UN General Assembly, the WHO and other UN-affiliated agencies, Lai said during a bilateral meeting with visiting Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. "We have been profoundly touched by these endorsements," Lai said, praising the Pacific island nation's firm support as "courageous." Lai's remarks came as Taiwan was excluded for the ninth consecutive year from the WHA, which is being held in
RESOLUTIONS DEBATE: Taiwan’s allies said that UN and WHA resolutions cited by China and other nations ‘do not determine Taiwan’s participation in WHO activities’ A proposal to invite Taiwan to this year’s World Health Assembly (WHA) was rejected on Monday, resulting in Taipei’s absence from the annual meeting for a ninth consecutive year, although partners spoke up for Taiwan’s participation at the first day of the meeting. The first agenda item after the opening was a “two-on-two debate” on a proposal to invite Taiwan to participate at the WHA as an observer. Similar to previous years, two countries made statements in favor of the proposal, while two others expressed their opposition. Philippine Secretary of Health Teodoro Herbosa, president of the 78th WHA, accepted the WHA General Committee’s
At least three people died and more than a dozen were injured yesterday afternoon when a vehicle struck a group of pedestrians in New Taipei City’s Sansia District (三峽). The incident happened at about 4pm when a car rammed into pedestrians at an intersection near Bei Da Elementary School. Witnesses said the sedan, being driven at a high speed, ran a red light, knocking scooters out of the way and hitting students crossing the road before careening into a median near the intersection of Guocheng and Guoguang streets. The incident resulted in three deaths and 13 injuries, including the driver, a 78-year-old man
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