Hu urges restart of cross-Straits talks

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Hu Jintao pledged Wednesday to resume cross-Straits dialogue at the earliest date.

"Communication and dialogue between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Strait Exchange Foundation (SEF) on the basis of '1992 Consensus' should be resumed as early as possible," Hu said while meeting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Leaders of the two organizations should exchange visits when it is convenient for both sides, Hu said.

Once the dialogue is resumed, priority should be given to issues including cross-Straits weekend chartered flights and approval for mainland residents traveling to Taiwan, which are of the biggest concern to people on both sides of the Strait, Hu noted.

Hu expressed hope that the two parties of CPC and KMT and both sides across the Taiwan Strait could make joint efforts to build mutual trust, lay aside disputes, seek consensus and shelve differences, and jointly create a win-win situation.

On Taiwan's participation in international activities, Hu said the mainland understands the feelings of Taiwan people.

"After the two sides resume consultations, (we) can discuss the issue of (Taiwan's) participation in international activities... including giving priority to discussing the issue of attending WHO activities," Hu said.

"We care for, respect and trust Taiwan compatriots. As for misunderstandings and doubts some Taiwan compatriots have on cross-Straits problems, we understand them and will also take positive measures to solve them," he said.

He stressed the importance of building mutual trust on the basis of "opposing Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus"; and called on the two parties to seize the current favorable trend and seek peace and prosperity for people on both sides of the Straits.

On behalf of the KMT and Taiwan compatriots, Wu extended sympathy to compatriots in the areas affected by the 8.0-magnitude Wenchuan earthquake in southwest China. He said the KMT and all social circles in Taiwan would actively assist in the rebuilding of disaster-hit areas.

Hu thanked Taiwan compatriots for their concern and generous donations and assistance to relief efforts.

"The love and benevolence Taiwan compatriots have shown to the people in disaster-hit areas is deeply moving," he said, adding it was touching that on the afternoon of May 12, shortly after the earthquake struck, the Central Committee of the KMT sent a telegram of sympathy.

Hu said the brotherly love and care shown by compatriots in the disaster was particularly valuable. It was not only the spiritual power of the Chinese nation to unite and help each other to jointly conquer the hardships, but would also become a strong driving force for compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to join efforts in building a better future.

Hu also expressed condolences to the families of two Taiwan tourists who died during the quake, noting more than 2,890 Taiwan tourists were evacuated out of the affected areas and returned home smoothly.

Wu described the current cross-Straits relations as "the sky that has cleared after the rain", saying an opportunity has presented itself for creating mutual benefits and improving cooperation.

The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan expects the relationship to become more good-willed and interactive, Wu said.

He told a press conference later Wednesday afternoon that he was totally satisfied with the current visit.

The two sides have reached a consensus to build mutual trust and set aside disputes, Wu told reporters.