Taiwan 'defers' actions vs PHL but seeks clarifications

From GMA News (May 15): Taiwan 'defers' actions vs PHL but seeks clarifications

Taiwan on Wednesday "deferred" its planned punitive actions against the Philippines following Manila's response to its demands in connection with the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman during an encounter in disputed waters last May 9.

But Taiwan also sought clarifications from Manila on some of its responses, according to a report on Taiwanese news sites early Wednesday.

 "We cannot take further action at this time," Taiwan's Foreign Minister David Lin said at a press conference, according to a report by Taiwan's Central News Agency.

Lin met for four hours with Manila Economic and Cultural Office managing director Antonio Basilio.

He said MECO chairman Amadeo Perez Jr. was to arrive in Taiwan later Wednesday, and Taiwan will verify the situation before taking any further action.

During the press conference, Basilio expressed regret and sympathy over the death of fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, 65.

Basilio said he had been authorized by his government to express condolences and offer an apology to the family of Hung, who was shot dead aboard a fishing boat in disputed waters.

Also, he said financial assistance would be provided to Hung's family, but he did not provide figures.

On the other hand, Lin said the Philippines agreed to a joint investigation into the shooting, with Taiwan investigators expected to travel to the Philippines as early as Thursday.

He added the Philippines has agreed to hold talks on fishery cooperation with Taiwan to prevent a repeat of the May 9 incident.

Lin said Taiwan hopes the discussions can take place before the end of May.

Taiwan earlier warned that if the Philippines does not agree to its demands, it will freeze applications for the employment of Filipino workers.

It also threatened to recall its representative to Manila and ask the Philippines' representative to Taipei to return to his home country.

Clarification needed

But a separate report on Taipei Times said that while Lin said the Philippines' response was “positive,” it needs more “clarity.”

Taipei Times said negotiations between Basilio and Lin went beyond midnight Tuesday, with a press conference eventually being held at 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Perez to convey regret, apology

In a letter to Lin that he delivered Tuesday, Basilio said MECO Chairman Perez is to visit Taiwan Wednesday and “convey the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology to the family of Mr. Hung as well as to the people of Taiwan over the unfortunate loss of life.”

But Lin said the foreign ministry also needed Basilio to confirm that he has the full authorization of the Philippine government.

He said Basilio had promised him that Philippine presidential spokesperson would hold a press conference Wednesday morning to confirm that Basilio was fully authorized.

Basilio had offered a public apology to Hung’s family on Friday last week and then visited the family on Saturday, when he apologized again.

Military exercise

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense Tuesday said the navy was ready to carry out a military exercise in waters south of Taiwan Thursday, with Kidd-class destroyers and Chengkung-class frigates to show Taiwan’s determination to protect its fishermen.

But the ministry said it will not make a final decision on the exercise, to be conducted jointly with the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), until a determination on whether Manila’s response was acceptable.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/308432/news/nation/taiwan-defers-actions-vs-phl-but-seeks-clarifications