Taiwan's Chen urged to nod 1992 deal
(China Daily)
Updated: 2004-11-14 23:40

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's clear recognition of the agreement reached by the two sides of the Taiwan Straits in Hong Kong in 1992 could directly lead to the resumption of cross-Straits dialogue and negotiations.

The remarks were made Sunday in Beijing by a senior official from the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS).

The ARATS and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) held their second working talks at the end of October in 1992 in Hong Kong.

They discussed how to formulate the one-China principle.

"Although the two sides had big differences over politics (at that time), they both adhered to the one-China principle," said the anonymous ARATS official Sunday.

He explained in detail how the two sides raised different versions on formulating their understanding of the one-China principle.

Beijing has dubbed the Hong Kong deal as the "1992 consensus," which finally led to a series of ice-breaking meetings across the Straits.

Talks ended in July 1999 when former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui redefined cross-Straits ties as a "state-to-state relationship."

But Chen has denied the existence of the consensus in a bid to shun the one-China principle since he took office in May 2000.

But since October 10 this year, Chen has claimed to be willing to use "1992 consensus" as the basis for re-starting cross-Straits talks.

The ARATS official said on Sunday that the basis of the "1992 consensus" in Hong Kong is that both sides adhere to the one-China principle.

If Chen Shui-bian clearly recognizes this and abandons seeking Taiwan independence, the ARATS and SEF could immediately resume dialogue and negotiations, and any topic could be discussed, said the ARATS official.

If Chen disregards the historical fact of talks in Hong Kong in 1992, refuses to accept the one-China principle, and sticks to Taiwan independence, it shows that he does not intend to resume cross-Straits talks, said the official.

"This will run counter to the expectations of compatriots from both sides and the international community," he added.

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