Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended greetings to Taiwan compatriots on Thursday prior to the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"We are happy that cross-Straits relations have kept the momentum of peaceful and stable development over the past year," Chen, also director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a New Year speech posted on the www. Chinataiwan.org.

"In the coming new year, no matter how many difficulties there might be, our faith in safeguarding the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations will not change," said Chen, on behalf of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

"Our determination to push forward personnel, economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Straits will not change; neither will we change our sincerity to offer practical help for the benefits of the Taiwan people."

Chen said the Chinese mainland will work together with the Taiwan compatriots to firmly safeguard the stability and peace across the Taiwan Straits and continue to push the cross-Straits relations to move toward peace, stability, and mutual benefit.

This year's Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 18.

(Xinhua News Agency February 16, 2007)