Taiwan's top cross-strait negotiator, Straits Exchange Foundation Chairman Koo Chen-fu (辜振甫), said yesterday that he plans to take sick leave from his post for up to two months, to recover from an upcoming operation on his remaining kidney.
Some political analysts believe the sick leave period, which would extend beyond the inauguration of President-elect Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), could be the first move toward stepping down from his post.
"Even going to vote on March 18 was a difficult task," Koo confided during a provisional SEF board meeting yesterday.
PHOTO: LU CHUN-WEI, LIBERTY TIMES
"This weekend I will go to the hospital for surgery and will need to take one to two months to recover."
Koo said he had to get treatment for his only remaining kidney because it was making day to day work impossible.
Secretary General Shi Hwei-yow will take Koo's place while he is on sick leave, Koo said during yesterday's meeting held to discuss the SEF's future role with the newly elected government.
Over its ten-year history, nine years of which Koo has served as chairman, the SEF has played an important role negotiating and promoting constructive cross-strait dialogue, he said.
"As the government organizes itself, the SEF will do all it can to make suggestions and contribute the experience and understanding it has gained over the years to help develop the next stage of relations under the new government," Koo said.
In addition to expressing its willingness to help the new government, SEF's Shi said the foundation would also continue to focus on its non-governmental functions.
Despite Chen's assurances that he needs the existing channels of communication to help cross-strait relations, some still fear the DPP will push to sideline the negotiating body.
When asked what Koo thought about Chen's position on cross-strait ties he was non-committal.
"I haven't talked with him about this question, we'll have to see what he has to say during his inaugural speech," Koo said.
Whether or not his comment indicated Koo was considering leaving the SEF was also unclear.
However, the new government's approach to cross-strait relations may offer Koo little room for pro-gress.
One source confirmed that could very well be the case.
If Chen can't accept "one-China" then it will be difficult for Beijing and there will be no movement forward, the source said.
"What difference would there be if Koo stayed or left," the source said.
National Taiwan University professor of political science, Chang ling-chen (
"If government policy doesn't change, it will be too difficult for him to handle," Chang said.
"It must be very frustrating for him and at his age to not be able to move anything forward."
It was also possible that the move could be a sign Chen was preparing to shift secretary general Shi into Koo's post.
The move could be a strategic consideration in Beijing's favor said Hsu Szu-chien (
"Shi doesn't have any pro-unification leanings, he's experienced, predictable, and legitimate," Hsu said.
In that way he would carry behind him the support of the general population, which is what Beijing is interested in, he said.
Koo denied his notice to take sick leave was a sign he was halfway out the door.
"I still have two more years to my term," Koo said.
The head of the DPP's department of Chinese affairs, Yen Wan-ching (
"The country has need of his help," Yan said.
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