Taipei, May 1 (CNA) Consensus-building is a priority for Taiwan as the current "democratic civil war" has hindered Taiwan's national development and democratic achievement, former Premier Frank Hsieh, one of four ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential hopefuls, said in an interview with CNA Tuesday.
Hsieh, who launched his presidential campaign with the slogans of "love and trust" and "say yes to Taiwan, " also said he believes the people of Taiwan would be glad to see China's peaceful rise if China holds no animosity toward it.
In another effort to explain his controversial "One China" framework for the Constitution, which has been under criticism by hardcore Taiwan independence supporters, Hsieh reiterated that he foresees an eventual "one Taiwan" constitution and that when he said "China" he was referring to the Republic of China.
"The percentage of people who recognize `Taiwan identity' has been constantly over 70 percent in most public opinion polls. The DPP, however, has been able to win only around 50 percent of the vote in elections, " Hsieh said, noting that the 20 percent-30 percent differential is something the ruling party should think about.
The number shows that people who recognize "Taiwan identity" do not necessarily support the DPP's policies. Hsieh said consensus-building will be his priority if he wins his bid to be the DPP presidential candidate and wins the 2008 presidential election.
"If that happens, we will have a new constitution that reflects Taiwan's status quo: an independent country, " Hsieh said.
The former premier once again elaborated on his initiative of a "national stability alliance" and a "coalition government," saying that it will be his responsibility, if he wins the election, to help the DPP control the majority in the legislature" so that we can be held accountable for our policies and so that the people will not suffer."
Asked about the recent controversy over the 2008 Beijing Olympic torch relay route, Hsieh noted that he supported the government's decision to reject Beijing's torch rely plan but had second thoughts about a potential boycott of the 2008 Olympics.
A national leader is expected to find a "holistic solution" instead of making decisions on the concept of "either/or, " Hsieh said, adding that the suppression by China of Taiwan's international participation is almost a given. He said he will try to find a way for Taiwan to participate in international affairs and events without interference from China.
Hsieh said he believes Taiwan is an ocean state and that this concept will be dominant in his national development plan. He also advocated bidding to host the 2020 Olympics and of a more liberal economic system.
The DPP will by May 12 at the earliest determine its candidate for the 2008 presidential election. The presidential primary's public opinion poll will take place from May 9-11 and will account for 70 percent of the score in determining who will represent the party, with the other 30 percent accounted through a vote by party members May 6.
The other three aspirants are Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Su Tseng-chang and former DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun.