newstodate.aero
AUG 14, 2003 (newstodate): The long sought-after direct cross-strait commercial aviation and shipping links may begin to be realized by the end of 2004 if he is confirmed in his office at the coming presidential elections, the Taiwanese president says.
President Chen also says the DPP-led government would implement measures to expedite "inevitable" cross-strait cargo shipments.
Chen said that cross-strait direct links would be promoted in three stages, namely a transitional phase of preparations for consultations, a period of negotiations with Beijing that should begin shortly after the March poll if Chen is re-elected, and, finally, a phase of realization which "should begin before the end of next year."
President Chen also says the DPP-led government would implement measures to expedite "inevitable" cross-strait cargo shipments.
Chen said that cross-strait direct links would be promoted in three stages, namely a transitional phase of preparations for consultations, a period of negotiations with Beijing that should begin shortly after the March poll if Chen is re-elected, and, finally, a phase of realization which "should begin before the end of next year."