Ma-Siew Office Press Release

Ma-Siew Office Press Release

April 30, 2008

PRC’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) issued a statement on cross-Strait relations in its regularly scheduled press conference today. Ma-Siew Office spokesman Lo Chih-chiang said, “The Ma-Siew Office applauds the TAO’s statement, which showed goodwill.”

Lo said, “The goodwill from the Mainland marks a good beginning. Mr. Ma Ying-jeou’s views on cross-Strait relations have never changed. The policy commitments he has pronounced in the past will be implemented as soon as possible through the relevant consultations between the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) upon his taking office.

Lo stressed, “The conduct of cross-Strait relations should be based on goodwill and efforts on both sides; therefore, the Ma-Siew Office is glad to see that the Mainland showed goodwill in its recent statement on cross-Strait relations.”

In addition, regarding the nomination of the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) chairperson, Lo said, “Former legislator Lai Shin-yuan, after joining the new government team, has said that she agreed with Ma-Siew’s cross-Strait policies. The orientation of the cross-Strait policies is decided by Ma. The MAC is an agency for coordination and implementation. The public can rest assured that Ma-Siew’s cross-Strait policies have not changed. Please give a little time to the newly-nominated MAC chairperson and evaluate her in accordance with her performance after she assumes office.”

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