The DPP yesterday endorsed the government's position to back the US on the war against Iraq, saying the government is making national interest its top priority while respecting differing opinions in society.
The government is facing fierce criticism from opposition parties and anti-war groups for its pro-US stance in the US-Iraq confrontation. Opposition lawmakers on Monday painted President Chen Shui-bian (
PHOTO: SEAN CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES
The DPP said yesterday that the party respects discordant views, because Taiwan is a democratic society, where freedom of speech is safeguarded.
But aside from upholding the liberty of free speech, the party stressed it is even more crucial for the government to pursue the nation's long term interests, namely supporting the extermination of international terrorism.
The DPP made the announcement after the party's weekly Central Standing Committee meeting, where National Security Council Secretary-General Kang Ning-hsiung (康寧祥) provided a briefing on the newest developments in the war to topple Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.
The DPP gave reassurances about the nation's security, saying that the government has a grasp on the most up-to-date information about the changing international situation, and remains prepared to cope with the economic impact of a drawn-out conflict.
The party also urged China to cooperate with Taiwan in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The ruling party then restated its willingness to perform its duties as a member of the international community by contributing to post-war reconstruction and offering humanitarian assistance to those who need it.
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