The Taiwan Democratic Self-government League Thursday called on Taiwan people, native or not, to join up to realize the reunification across the Taiwan Straits as soon as possible.

Zhang Kehui, chairman of the party's central committee, made the statement at a ceremony to mark the 57th anniversary of an uprising which took place in Taiwan on Feb. 28, 1947.

An armed protest broke out on that date in Taiwan against the ruling Kuomintang government. Thousands of Taiwan people were killed in the fight.

The uprising was against oppression and a courageous drive for Taiwan people to seek democracy instead of a conflict between native Taiwan people and those from the mainland, Zhang said.

It was an important part of the revolution that aroused the whole China including the mainland against the despotic and corrupt government, Zhang said.

The uprising was by no means the start of "Taiwan independence," as Taiwan people fought with great patriotism in the revolt for democracy and self-government, he said.

The plot to realize "Taiwan independence" will severely endanger the basic interests and safety of people across the Straits and damage the future of Taiwan people, he added.

The Taiwan Democratic Self-government League was founded by several Taiwan patriots in Hong Kong in December 1947 after the uprising failed.

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2004)