The British and Canadian representative offices in Taiwan are concerned about the Legislative Yuan's drive to oust President Chen Shui-bian (
According to the sources, both the British Trade and Cultural Office (BTCO) and the Canadian Trade Office (CTO) in Taipei, which represent British and Canadian interests in Taiwan, respectively, in the absence of formal diplomatic ties, have sent officials to the legislature to see for themselves the government operations concerning Chen's proposed dismissal.
However, the sources said, none of the British and Canadian officials would express their opinions about the opposition-dominated legislature's drive to unseat Chen. Out of respect for Taiwan's sovereign status, they said, it would be inappropriate for them to make any comment on the issue.
On Nov. 3, Kate White, head of the BTCO's political and economic affairs section, paid a visit to the Legislative Yuan, where she was briefed on the Taiwan legislatures's history, functions and general work rules.
White also paid a visit to the legislative floor to listen to legislators' speeches and watch the lawmaking body's general operations. She was quoted as saying that the tour of the legislature helped her gain a better understanding of Taiwan's democratic operations.
Meanwhile, CTO Executive Director David Mulroney, also head of the Canadian mission in Taipei, toured the legislature yesterday when the lawmaking body moved a step closer to dismissing Chen by passing a revision requiring that any motion to oust the president be voted on in public instead of by secret ballot.
In contrast, the American Institute in Taiwan, which represents US interests in Taiwan, has so far not asked to send officials to visit the legislature. Sources in the legislature said this might be because of preoccupation with the US presidential election.
The local foreign business community is also paying close attention to the development of the recall drive.
Paul Cassingham, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, was quoted by the local press as having said that most AmCham members support the DPP-led government.
Cassingham also said he personally approved of Chen's apology to KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and added his hope that Lien and the KMT will grasp the opportunity to help "cool down" the recall drive to minimize the possible political impact on the island's economic development.
In comparison, the European Council of Commerce and Trade (ECCT) in Taipei would not make any comment on the "recall" drive.
Nevertheless, unidentified ECCT sources were quoted as having complained that they have a hard time predicting the new Taiwan government's political direction and economic policy.
The sources further said many ECCT members think that Taiwan's economic fundamentals are still good, but its political and policy uncertainty has added to their confusion and misgivings.
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