Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) has rejected the idea of joining President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on a state visit to Central American allies next month.
"I'm very busy at the moment and don't think I'll have time to go," Ma said after the city government's weekly meeting yesterday morning.
Ma made the remark in response to media inquires about Chen's plan to invite political leaders and high-ranking officials -- including Ma, People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong (
Other KMT members criticized the idea yesterday.
KMT Legislator Wu Yu-sheng (
"There are many domestic issues that desperately need to be addressed, such as flood-control and cross-strait relations," Wu said. "I don't think it is necessary for the president to drag all the opposition leaders with him and waste taxpayers' money."
KMT caucus whip Cho Po-yuan (
However, DPP caucus whip William Lai (
"I hope Ma would listen to the voice of the people and work together with the government. I believe his cooperation and contribution will win the support of the people," Lai said.
Su also urged Ma to abandon any animosity toward the government and demonstrate his new leadership in terms of the country's future.
"I understand that Mayor Ma is busy with government affairs, I think but it is also necessary for us to work on diplomacy abroad," Su said.
Su said Chen has worked hard on international diplomacy and Taiwan's allies would be impressed with the nation's solidarity and unity if pan-blue leaders made the trip.
"Although we might have different ideas about domestic affairs, for the sake of the county's future, all political parties should work together to promote an image of unity," Su said.
"The DPP is hoping Ma will give the KMT a new image with his new style," Su said.
Presidential Office Secretary-General Yu Shyi-kun said China is using a "three obstructions" strategy toward Taiwan: obstructing Taiwan's international space, trying to lure away allies and depleting Taiwan's bargaining chips.
Yu said Central America is a key diplomatic area for Taiwan, so the president hopes that all political parties could assist him in diplomatic efforts.
Yu also said that as soon as the date for the Central American allies' leadership summit is confirmed, the Presidential Office will send formal invitations to the opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, PFP caucus leader Hwang Yih-jiau (
"What is the point of going when the president usually takes advantage of such trips to strongly criticize the opposition parties," Hwang said.
TSU Secretary-General Cheng Cheng-lung (
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