Taipei, June 21 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said on Wednesday that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should sit down to resume negotiations before the opening of direct trade, postal and communication links.
He stressed that this policy should not be affected by a projected pilgrimage to Fujian Province by local worshippers of Matsu, the Chinese goddess of the Sea.
The president made the remarks while meeting with council and assembly speakers from Taichung City and Taichung, Nantou, Changhua and Yunlin counties. Chen said that he himself is also a Matsu worshipper, but pointed out that national security is important.
During the meeting at the Presidential Office, Chen also heard suggestions from the speakers on the progress of post-earthquake reconstruction plans and various local development projects.