The government yesterday gave the green light to former premier Vincent Siew's (
But the ad hoc panel reviewing the case withheld its approval for a visit by former Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission member Chiao Jen-ho (焦仁和), who planned to join the tour set for May 8 to May 16.
"After careful consideration, the authorities concerned decided to give the go-ahead to Siew's trip," said Su Chia-shan (
The panel's meeting yesterday, originally slated to last for just 30 minutes, took over two hours. Vice Minister of the Interior Chien Tai-lang (簡太郎) attributed the longer discussion to a packed agenda.
"The meeting went rather smoothly," Chien said, in an attempt to downplay reported disagreements within the panel that drew members from the Mainland Affairs Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Bureau.
Chien said the committee turned down Chiao's application on the recommendation of his former agency. He would not supply further details, citing confidentiality. The commission said it based its recommendation on the grounds that Chiao serves as an honorary adviser for a local unification association, a pro-China body.
For security reasons, former officials who had access to classified government information are required to obtain permission for trips to China.
Chan Hou-sheng (
"It is regretful that Chiao was denied approval," said Chan, former chairman of the Council of Labor Affairs, who is to accompany Siew on the upcoming trip. Chan added that the foundation will appeal the decision on Monday.
"As a legal expert, Chiao can provide the delegation with profound assistance during the week-long tour," Chan said. "Still, we look forward to the cross-strait exchange."
Chiao, who served as secretary-general of the semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation, spoke to Chinese envoys on behalf of Taiwan several times in the past. He served as vice chairman of Mainland Affairs Council.
Later in the evening, Chiao said he was surprised at the rejection, saying that it doesn't make any sense. He insisted he has never accepted the honorary position and had never attended any meeting organized by the civic organization.
Siew's promoting of a regional market has the backing of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁). But the KMT heavyweight has insisted he is traveling as a private citizen, not acting as an emissary for the government or his party.
The 20-member delegation will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Local media have reported that he will also meet with ranking officials, including Vice Premier Qian Qichen (錢其琛).
While in China, Siew, now a KMT vice chairman, is expected to discuss with Chinese scholars and Taiwanese investors his concept of a "cross-strait common market." Siew has said the two sides should look beyond politics and pour greater resources into economic development.
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