German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Jacques
Chirac reaffirmed in Berlin on Tuesday their countries' constant
and clear one-China policy.
They made the remarks at a joint press conference when asked to
comment on Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's decision to cease the
functioning of the "National Unification Council" (NUC) and the
application of the "National Unification Guidelines."
Merkel, who hosted the first biennial meeting of the German and
French cabinets after taking office in November, said she had
stressed and confirmed Germany's stance of sticking to the
one-China principle when talking recently with Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao by phone.
Germany will continue to follow this principle, Merkel
added.
She said Germany's position on this matter was in line with that
of the European Union's, adding that "we should do everything
possible to maintain things quiet and peaceful" across the Taiwan
Straits.
Chirac echoed her comments by saying that France would not
change its stance and would clearly stick to the principle of "one
country, two systems."
"We have not changed our position," Chirac added.
(Xinhua News Agency March 15, 2006)
