President Lee Teng-hui today reiterates that he is willing to visit the Chinese mainland on a "journey of peace," and that mainland Chinese leaders are also welcome to visit Taiwan. As regard to topics for leaders of both sides when they meet each other, the President notes that the signing of a peace agreement between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits should be the first priority and then the issues of mutual concerns.
President Lee also points out that disagreements between both sides of the Straits center around political system and people's lifestyle and have nothing to do with ethnic or cultural identity. It is absolutely impossible for the Republic of China on Taiwan to pursue the so-called "Taiwan independence;" both sides of the Straits pursue eventual national unification, the President notes. Only when both sides face the the reality and engage in dialogue with profound sincerity and patience will they find the common ground for the unification issue and work hand in hand to enhance the welfare of the Chinese people, he adds.
President Lee makes the remark while meeting with U.S. Senator Rod Grams, who is here for a two-day visit at the invitation of the ROC National Association of Industry and Commerce. It is Senator Grams' first visit to Taiwan.
During the meeting, President Lee expresses his thanks to Senator Grams for his strong support for and cordial friendship toward the ROC. President Lee also exchanges views with the Senator on the situation in Asia and current U.S.-ROC relations.
Also present at the meeting are Mr. Ding Mou-shih, Secretary-General of the ROC National Security Council, Mr. Cheng Chien-jen, the ROC Vice Foreign Minister and Dr. Jason C. Hu, the ROC Representative to the U.S.A.