The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday that it is planning to allow the public to visit the Taipei Guest House, a grand, baroque-style building that is used for state receptions.
Ministry Spokesperson Michel Lu (
Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Ting Shou-chung (
PHOTO: CHIEN JUNG-FONG, TAIPEI TIMES
Ting, who plans to run in the year-end Taipei mayoral election, said the Taipei Guest House, which has been the venue for state receptions for foreign dignitaries since the KMT era, should not be regarded as the "backyard garden" for a few privileged people.
He demanded the government open the building to the public.
Lu said the building is designated as a national historic site and is registered under the Presidential Office.
"The ministry and the Presidential Office have reached an agreement to open the Taipei Guest House to public visits. Right now we're waiting for the Presidential Office to make a final assessment on the scheme," Lu said.
The Taipei Guest House was built in 1901 during the Japanese colonial era as the residence of Taiwan's governor .
At present, only five top officials -- the president, vice president, premier, presidential chief of staff and the foreign minister -- are allowed to use the building for receptions.
The Taipei Guest House and grounds cover 3.4 hectares. It is located on Ketagalan Boulevard, across the street from the foreign ministry.
The issue of access to the building and abuse of privilege was in the spotlight recently after a couple of Presidential Office interns were able to enter the building to have their wedding photographs taken.
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