Taiwan: KMT Chairman Ma Ying-Jeou resigns

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 02-14-2007 13:35

The resignation of the leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, Ma Ying-jeou, has shaken up politics on the island.

But the mainland's authority responsible for Taiwan affairs has re-affirmed the Mainland's commitment to developing ties with any Taiwan party that holds the one-China policy.

The Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesman emphasized Beijing's policy on Cross-straits relations.

Li Weiyi, spokesman State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said, "No matter who or what party will take power in Taiwan, now matter what he has said or done, as long as he sticks to the one-China policy, we would like to development cross-straits ties with him."

Ma Ying-yeou resigned after being indicted for diverting 11 million New Taiwan dollars from Taipei's special allowance fund into his private account.

KMT regulations require the chairman of the party resign if prosecuted.

The prosecutors did not say what jail term they will seek, but they have suggested the court gives a light penalty.

The charges came to light in an investigative report by the clean government committee. The island's leaders have long held the practice of using funds from the special allowance.

Ma Ying-Jeou has resigned. But he says he will prove his innocence and will run for leadership in the 2008 Taiwan elections. How his resignation will affect cross-straits ties, remains unknown.

Editor:Du Xiaodan