Chinese mainland's democratic parties criticize Taiwan leader for ceasing unification council, guidelines

Eight democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce in the Chinese mainland Tuesday accused Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian of "seriously sabotaging cross-Straits relations" by ceasing the operation of the "National Unification Council" and the application of "National Unification Guidelines".

Chen's move seriously sabotages the cross-Straits relations and is a dangerous provocation that could bring disaster to people across the Taiwan Straits," said a joint statement by the nine organizations.

The eight democratic parties are the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, China Democratic League, China Democratic National Construction Association, China Association for Promoting Democracy, Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, China Zhi Gong (Public Interest) Party, Jiu San (September 3) Society and Taiwan Democratic Self-government League.

Chen, who is trapped in a political quagmire after his party lost the majority of local elections two months ago, scrapped the council and guidelines in a move that endangers stability across the Taiwan Straits, and seriously runs against the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan which favors peaceful development, the statement said.

"It once again shows he is a troublemaker and destroyer of peace and stability of cross-Straits relations and in Asia-Pacific region.

"We solemnly warn Chen Shui-bian not to misunderstand the situation or underestimate the mainland's resolve and ability to curb 'independence' activities," they said.

The nine organs pledged to work with the Taiwan people to safeguard peace and stability of cross-Straits relations and strive for peaceful reunification and will never allow secessionist forces to separate Taiwan from the motherland.

Source: Xinhua