The proposed budget for arms purchases that the Cabinet recently sent to the Legislature should be passed as soon as possible in order to ensure Taiwan's interests in the deal, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) told Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) legislators yesterday.
Chen had invited TSU legislators and officials to the Presidential Office for a luncheon.
All TSU legislators, except for one who was ill, were present at the luncheon. The TSU delegation was led by TSU Chairman Huang Chu-wen (黃主文) and Secretary-general Lin Chih-chia (林志嘉).
According to TSU legislators, the president thanked the TSU for its help during the Presidential election and asked the TSU legislators for their help in passing major bills including the NT$610 billion (US$18.5 billion) budget plan for arms purchases, the 10 Major Construction Projects and the labor pension bill.
According to the legislators, the president said that the arms purchase plan was prepared long before the March 20 referendum was conducted and that US President George W. Bush agreed to the deal three years ago.
"[Chen] said that, far from being the result of unpleasant US pressure on Taiwan, the purchases are actually a kind gesture on the part of the US," Legislator Ho Min-hao (何敏豪) said.
sincerity
"The president said that if the legislature does not consent to the purchases soon, the US might begin to doubt Taiwan's sincerity. In addition, if the plan is delayed for too long, the US election at the end of the year might affect the plan," Ho said.
The legislators took the opportunity during the luncheon to stress its position that it is necessary to slow down investment in China.
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