Many leading figures in Taiwan expressed their condolences over Wang Daohan's death.

Wang had made a significant contribution to promoting cross-Straits talks and cross-Straits relations, said C. V. Chen, the first vice-chairman and secretary-general of the SEF.

Chen pledged to continue efforts to make the two sides better open to each other with more friendliness.

Chiao Jen-ho, another former secretary-general of the SEF, who met Wang several times, said: "Wang was a warm and esteemed elder to us, especially in cross-Straits relations.

"Wang gave me lots of guidance with a long-term and general view, though we sometimes had differences."

Some Taiwan scholars also expressed their deep sorrow about Wang's death.

Gorge W. Tsai, a research fellow with the research centre on international relations of Taiwan's Chengchi University, called Wang's death a "great loss." He said Wang was an elder who was far-sighted, idealistic, and willing to think over the common interests of the two sides from the point of view of national development.

Wang Chin-ping, chairman of Taiwan's Alliance for the Reunification of China, attributed the interruption of the cross-Straits talks to Taiwan authorities' refusal to recognize the cross-Straits consensus in 1992.

The four-point opinion made by President Hu Jintao earlier this year was of great importance for the development of the cross-Straits relations, while the mainland visits by leaders of Taiwan's Kuomintang, People First Party and New Party were also a good beginning, Wang said.

In another development, Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong sent letters of condolence respectively on the death of Wang, according to a Channel NewsAsia report.

Lee said in his letter that Wang had carried out the responsibility entrusted to him by the Chinese leadership with considerable patience, skill and resolve in his role as president of ARATS.

In a separate letter, Goh echoed Lee in emphasizing Wang's role in forging the consensus, adding that Wang was determined to bring about reconciliation, peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits.

(China Daily December 30, 2005)