Congratulations on KMT party congress
By Xing Zhigang (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-08-20 07:03

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday sent a congratulation message to the Kuomintang (KMT) Central Committee and its new Chairman Ma Ying-jeou on the opening of the KMT's 17th Party Congress.

Ma took over the helm of Taiwan's opposition KMT from outgoing party leader Lien Chan, who has been named KMT honorary chairman. Ma, 55, was sworn in at the opening ceremony of the congress, receiving a party flag from his predecessor.

In the message, the CPC called for joint efforts with the KMT to uphold the "1992 consensus," firmly oppose "Taiwan independence," maintain cross-Straits peace and create a mutually-beneficial and win-win situation across the Straits.

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, on Friday congratulated Lien for becoming honorary chairman of the KMT. He also spoke highly of Lien's great contribution to the development of cross-Straits relations.

Their meeting in Beijing on April 29 marked the first highest-level talks between the CPC and KMT in 60 years, ending the two parties' decades-old enmity.

"The historic step jointly taken by our two parties has been written into the history of the development of the cross-Straits relations," Hu said in his message.

"It is my sincere wish to make joint efforts with you to promote the peaceful and steady development of the cross-Straits relations and create a bright future for the Chinese nation," Hu concluded.

Speaking to party members and an island-wide television audience, Ma, the new KMT chairman, praised Lien for undertaking the historic visit to the mainland in April and pledged to continue his efforts for cross-Straits reconciliation.

He said Lien's mainland trip has helped ease cross-Straits tensions and create a new atmosphere for bilateral ties.

"I will do my best to carry on and push for Lien Chan's policies," said the new leader, who last month beat "parliamentary speaker" Wang Jin-pyng in the first two-way direct chairmanship elections in the KMT's 111-year history.

Ma also promised to push for direct transport links with the mainland, which the ruling Democratic Progressive Party has resisted. "We will work to pull Taiwan and the mainland closer in politics, economy and culture step by step," he said. "This would do the best good to Taiwan."

The KMT chairman also vowed to continue pushing for party reforms to win back the "presidency" in 2008.

Delivering a farewell speech, Lien told the 1,600-strong delegates to the congress that the meeting is of great significance and will usher in a new stage for the KMT.

The 69-year-old man expressed his hope that the party, under the leadership of Ma, will continue its self-reform and come back to power in Taiwan.

He described his mainland visit as an important decision made for the interests of the Chinese nation and people.

During the two-day congress, delegates will discuss an amendment to the party constitution, approve the appointment of party vice-chairpersons, and elect members of the KMT Central Committee.

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