Therese Shaheen, former chairwoman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), arrived in Taipei yesterday for a four-day visit. During her stay she will meet several high-ranking government officials and will be decorated by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).
In contrast to the AIT's very low-profile treatment of Shaheen's visit -- the institute has had no part in making arrangements for her visit and appears to be keeping its distance from her -- the Presidential Office has prepared to welcome Shaheen warmly in order to thank her for contributions to the Taiwan-US relationship during her 16 months as AIT chairwoman.
PHOTO: CHU PEI-HSIUNG, TAIPEI TIMES
Shaheen, saying that her visit was simply a private trip during which she would visit old friends, yesterday said nothing controversial in response to media questions on sensitive topics -- such as whether her resignation from the AIT came about as a result of her sending a message to Chen congratulating him on his victory in the presidential election before Washington had sent its official congratulations.
"There were lots of reasons [for my resignation], but it's not the right time or place to discuss them," Shaheen told reporters at CKS International Airport.
Shaheen said that she looks forward to spending more time with her daughter, while her husband works 16-hour days at the Pentagon.
Asked about relations among Taiwan, the US and China, Shaheen said that the Legislative Yuan should approve a proposed purchase of weapons from the US in order to enhance the nation's ability to defend against the Chinese military threat.
She expressed optimism about the US-Taiwan relationship, saying that there will be a "fresh look" at things after the US presidential election in November.
Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), chairman of the Mainland Affairs Council, and his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), treated Shaheen to French cuisine last night. Wu, who as former deputy secretary-general to the president was responsible for arranging state visits by the president and vice president, presented Shaheen with a porcelain vase in gratitude for her warm reception of Chen during his stopover in New York last October.
Wu refused to disclose any additional details of the dinner, saying that it was a gathering of old friends.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have arranged for Shaheen to attend a luncheon with Chen and Vice President Annette Lu (
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Michael Kau (
It is widely believed in Taipei political circles that tensions exist between Shaheen and AIT director Douglas Paal, the US' de facto ambassador to Taiwan. It is also generally felt that the former chairwoman displayed a much more friendly attitude toward the Democratic Progressive Party government than does Paal.
Despite the administration's warm welcome of Shaheen, the government is downplaying the significance of her trip.
"So as not to embarrass the AIT and in order to follow correct diplomatic protocol regarding the current AIT chief, we are not going to discuss the details of Shaheen's trip," one government source said.
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