Lien Chan, the honorary chairman of Taiwan's main opposition party, Kuomintang, says he will make continuous efforts to facilitate an economic forum between the Kuomintang and the mainland's Communist Party of China, or CPC.

During Lien Chan's mainland trip last year, the two parties reached a consensus on building an exchange platform. They planned to hold an economic forum in Taiwan and a peace forum in the mainland.

However, due to interference from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, the economic forum has not been held as scheduled.

Lien Chan says it's a great loss for Taiwan.

"We will continue to make efforts to hold the economic forum between the Kuomintang and the CPC in Taiwan. We are not going to change to another venue or lower the status of participants just to cater to the needs of Taiwan's ruling party." Lien said.?

Lien Chan says cross-Straits trade ties are vital for Taiwan. The economic forum between the Kuomintang and the CPC will bring more opportunities for cross-straits cooperation.

Meanwhile, Spring Festival charter fights across the strait have entered their busiest period this week.

Many passengers say the charter flights bring them great convenience and they also hope the three direct links will be established soon.

Public representative and member of the Kuomintang, Chiang John is the person who first proposed Spring Festival charter flights. This is now the third year since his proposal has been realized.

He says he feels gratified but there is much to do in future.

"We don't just want Spring Festival charter flights but also weekend flights. More frequent charter flights between Taiwan and the mainland are aimed to further enhance peace and stability across the strait." said Chiang.

(CRI January 28, 2006)