Government officials yesterday confirmed President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) will meet with Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) on Monday, and that the meeting would be broadcast live on air.
Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would be flexible over the outcome of the meeting.
Chen is likely to raise the issue of arms expenditure blocked by the opposition during the meeting.
Ma's request for the meeting came just days after he returned from his high-profile visit to the US. He said at the time that his party supported a "reasonable" but less costly arms budget.
"The president is expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the US arms deal, at Monday's meeting," said David Lee (李南陽), director-general of the Presidential Office's Department of Public Affairs.
The KMT has long promised an alternative arms proposal, but has yet to come up with one.
Su told lawmakers yesterday morning that the DPP is open to ideas for what would be beneficial for the nation.
He was speaking on the legislative floor in response to a question from Taiwan Solidarity Union Legislator Ho Min-hao (
"There is no bottom line," Su replied. "We welcome all kinds of fresh ideas."
Su said that everyone should cooperate when it came to the national interest.
"It is a good thing that Chairman Ma will meet the president after his trip to the US and let the president know what he has discussed with US officials," Su said. "This is certainly good for the people and the country."
"You cannot avoid potential confrontation, arguments or disagreements on certain issues. But these differences always spark fresh ideas," he said.
Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
"I hope Ma and Chen can reach consensus on as many issues as can bring political reconciliation and cooperation to the parties," Wang said in response to People First Party (PFP) lawmakers' questions.
PFP legislative caucus whip Lee Hung-chun (
"Chen also violated the 10-point agreement when he ceased the functions of the National Unification Council and the unification guidelines," Lee said.
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