Taipei, March 28 (CNA) Taiwan President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's request for a U.S. visit is being discussed but a decision has not been made, the visiting American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) chairman said Friday, while adding that Washington was also trying to decide who to send to Ma's inauguration.
"[Ma’s request to visit] has been considered, discussed... and when there's a decision, you'll know, " said AIT Chairman Raymond Burghardt, who arrived Thursday for a three-day visit.
Burghardt, who was speaking to reporters, said Washington also has not made a firm decision on who to send to Ma's inauguration ceremony on May 20, adding that "it's something discussed in Washington."
Burghardt added that "some of the names" for the inauguration envoy have been discussed in Washington and it would not be a surprise if the U.S. sends a delegation to Taiwan, which was the case in the 2000 and 2004 presidential inaugurations in
Taiwan.
"Sometimes it comes down to the availability of people," Burghardt said, regarding who the envoy will be.
Burgarhdt met with President Chen Shui-bian, President-elect Ma Ying-jeou and Vice President-elect Vincent Siew Friday and is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister James Huang and Taiwanese and American businessmen during his stay.