News of the Week (Feb. 8-14, 2007)

News of the Week

Feb. 8-14, 2007

1.Chunghwa Post Corp., China Shipbuilding Corp. and Chinese Petroleum Corp. all held board meetings on Feb. 6th adopting resolutions to change their names, becoming “Taiwan Post Corp.”, “CPC, Taiwan”, and “Taiwan International Shipbuilding Corp.”, respectively.

Unsatisfied with the DPP government’s name-changing drive, the labor union of Chunghwa Post Corp. has decided to file suit against the directors of the board of Chunghwa Post Corp., also calling on Lai Ching-chi, its chairman, to step down. Meanwhile, the labor unions of Chunghwa Post Corp. and Chinese Petroleum Corp. launched protests around the island, criticizing vehemently the DPP government’s name-changing drive, calling it a “rough process” as well as “ a sheer waste of money and manpower”.

On this issue, the US State Department made the following statement on the 9th:

-- The primary interest of the United States remains maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The United States does not support Taiwan independence and opposes unilateral steps by either side that would change the status quo.

-- We do not support administrative steps by the Taiwan authorities that would appear to change Taiwan's status unilaterally or move toward independence. The United States does not, for instance, support changes in terminology for entities administered by the Taiwan authorities.

-- President Chen's fulfillment of his commitments will be a test of leadership, dependability and statesmanship, as well as ability to protect Taiwan's interests, its relations with others, and to maintain peace and stability in the Strait.

2. On the DPP’s name-changing drive, Chairman Ma Ying-jeou of the KMT has stressed that his party not only condemns the DPP’s actions for violating laws, distorting historical facts, disregarding justice, going against public opinion, disrespecting labor unions members and damaging public assets, but will adopt legislative and budgetary measures to stop the DPP’s drive. “When, as we anticipate, the KMT regains power in 2008, we will take executive measures to rectify the damage made solely through administrative measures, “ Ma said.

3. On Feb. 13th, the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office, following the conclusion of investigation into former Taipei City Mayor Ma Ying-jeou’s discretionary fund case by the Anti-Corruption Center of the High Court Prosecutors Office, indicted Ma on charges of “defrauding of money or goods by exploiting official position” under Article 4 of the Punishment of Corruption Act. Ma immediate issued a statement, entitled Turning Fury into Strength, declaring his resignation as KMT Chairman and announcing to the public his entry into the 2008 Presidential race to prove his innocence.

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