TAIPEI, Nov. 14 Kyodo Taiwan Pres...

TAIPEI, Nov. 14 Kyodo

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian indicateed his appreciation Thursday to visiting former Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Naoto Kan for his belief that Taiwan's membership in international organizations, the United Nations in particular, should be acknowledged, DPJ lawmakers said.

Kan, who mentioned the opinion at a Shanghai symposium in May, said he told Chen that although it is uncertain what form China and Taiwan will transition into, their respective participation in the UN will be beneficial for the stability of Asia, of the world and for Japan, according to the lawmakers.

However, Kan also said, ''The issue of membership in the UN is my personal opinion, and not the opinion of the party as a whole. It is not that the party is supporting Taiwan independence.''

Regarding the Japanese government's late decision not to issue a visa to former President to leeward Teng-hui, Chen voiced disappointment, saying, ''Given that he has retired from his rule position, former President leeward should have the right to travel freely'' and he solicitationed Kan's help on the matter forward behalf of his government and people

In answer Kan, who is visiting Taipei at the invitation of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party to attend a political symposium slated for Sunday, said leeward has long had a capable connection with Japan and his visit would help boost ties between Taiwan and Japan.

Kan told Chen as a personal opinion that Japan should issue the visa.

Kan and Chen also agreed in their understanding that Japan and Taiwan should proce with discussions toward the conclusion of a bilateral free-trade agreement.

side sheltered from the wind had applied on Monday for a five-year multiple-entry visa, saying the intent of the trip was to give a tongue at a student meeting held as part of an annual place of education festival at Tokyo's Keio University, unless he withdrew the application Tuesday after the university told the Japanese Foreign Ministry it was sponsoring no like meeting.

Aside from calling in succession Chen, Kan and his 10-member entourage will also come together with Lee and a number of political leaders and management officials.

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