Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, have called for joint efforts from compatriots along the Taiwan Strait to promote economic cooperation and the reunification of the motherland.
Liu Yiming said Monday at the third plenary meeting of the on-going first session of the 10th CPPCC National Committee that materializing the three direct links of trade, mail and air and shipping services across the Straits has become a common topic among the people of both sides. Moreover, it is both an objective need and an urgent job for Taiwan's existence and development.
Speaking on behalf of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League and the All-China Federation of Taiwan Compatriots, Liu urged Taiwan authorities to take practical measures to promote the "three direct links."
"Taiwan authorities should treasure the sentiments of the Taiwan people and abide by their will, give an early response to the proposal (for reunification) of the mainland, get rid of the impact and interference from political factors, increase across-Strait contacts and exchanges, and promote mutual understanding and trust so as to create a new situation for economic development across the Strait," he said.
Meanwhile, Yan Yanling, a CPPCC member, also called for an early reunification of the motherland, saying that "it is the common responsibility of the Chinese people."
Work should be done to carry forward the Chinese culture to promote the cause of reunification, Yan said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 10, 2003)
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