The European Union (EU) on Wednesday expressed concern over Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's latest secessionist move, saying it is "not helpful to maintaining stability and peaceful development in the Taiwan Straits."

"The EU attaches great importance to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. This is important to the region and beyond," said a statement by Austria on behalf of the EU. Austria currently holds the rotating EU presidency.

"It (The EU) encourages both sides to take initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence-building," the statement said.

Bulgaria reaffirms on Wednesday its constant and clear "one China" standpoint of principle, that Taiwan is an indivisible part of China and the government of the People's Republic of China represents the unique legal government of the Chinese nation.

In an official statement on late Wednesday, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said, Bulgaria expressed serious concern over the decision of the Taiwanese "president" Chen Shui-bian, who terminated the operation of "the Committee of national unification" and canceled "the leading principles for reunification", which were drawn out 15 years ago.

"This act is an unilateral operation, which does not contribute to the peace, stability and security in the region of Taiwan Strait," the Ministry said.

Bulgaria stands by the repeated declared principle for the peaceful reunification of China and Taiwan within the formula of "one country, two systems", which must come true through dialogue and negotiations, concluded the statement.

Also on Wednesday, a senior Greek diplomat strongly opposed and condemned Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian for his move to "cease the function" of Taiwan's National Unification Council and Guidelines on Unification.

Joannis Theophanopoulos, head of the Asian and Oceanian Department of the Greek Foreign Ministry, told Xinhua that Chen's act "destroyed the dialogue between Taiwan and the mainland and damaged the one-China policy. "

"We strongly oppose the act of Chen and we strongly condemn the act," he said.

He stressed that Chen's move was "a surprise to the European Union(EU) and Greece."

"We believe that this act can destabilize the status quo of the area, (so) we think it is a provocative act," he said.

The official said that destabilization of the area was "against the interests of the EU and Greece."

"We also believe that the unilateral act to change the status quo is against the interests of Taiwan," he added.

He called on Chen Shui-bian to stop his unilateral act and continue to honor his commitment of maintaining the status quo.

"We urge Chen to reconsider his decision," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2006)