Wed, Aug 21, 2002 page8

• Editorial: Nothing to be ashamed of

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  The opposition just can't bear to give Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) any credit, even when she truly deserves it. At a time when most people in Taiwan are rejoicing over Lu's success with her trip to Indonesia, the opposition has accused Lu of making promises she can't fulfill -- a NT$400 billion contract for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and an end to the freeze on importation of Indonesian workers -- in exchange for her diplomatic breakthrough.

  Anyone familiar with international affairs knows that it is naive to say that a contract the size of the LNG one can be made in just one meeting. It is even less likely that any inter-governmental commitment would take place under such hasty circumstances. Skeptics will probably say that Taiwan probably began negotiating with the Indonesian government on the LNG deal long before Lu thought of visiting Jakarta. However, Indonesia's strong interest in landing such a contract with Taiwan was surely prompted by Beijing's decision to sign an LNG contract with Australia, rather than Jakarta, a few days before Lu's trip. In other words, there was simply no time for any under-the-table deal with the Indonesian government.

  Moreover, in view of the size of the deal, had the contract been previously promised to Jakarta, surely it would have extended much better treatment to Lu. She would have been able to go directly to Jakarta instead of making a detour to Bali first. She would have been able to openly meet a lot of top government officials and politicians. After all, money does wonders when one is looking for new friends.

  In all likelihood, Lu simply informed the Indonesian government that Taiwan was interested in buying LNG and invited Jakarta to make a bid. That is certainly no crime. After all, the WTO allows the purchasing government to contact or invite sellers it deems capable of providing the needed goods to bid for the contract. So long as Taiwan complies with the transparency and non-discrimination requirements, along with other procedural requirements, it is in line with the WTO rules.

  Moreover, Taiwan Power Co (台電) had already held two unsuccessful rounds of bid-tendering for the LNG contract in question, despite the participation of a large number of prominent suppliers. Under the circumstances, it is reasonable for the government to approach even more potential suppliers. In comparison to the Australian, US, Dutch, French and British suppliers who had tendered bids, Indonesia's geographical proximity means decreased transportation costs. Approaching Indonesia is therefore a very rational and pragmatic decision on the part of the Taiwan government.

  As for the ban on the importation of Indonesian workers, the Council of Labor Affairs has remained consistent on the conditions for lifting the ban. Lu's trip did, however, convince the Indonesian government of Taipei's hope to resolve differences on the issue and prompt it to send a delegation to negotiate the matter. There has been nothing to suggest that Lu overstepped the bounds of her role.

  Lu's visit will be beneficial to everyone in Taiwan, not just the DPP. Why can't the opposition understand this and rejoice like everyone else for a change?
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