By Chris Wang / Staff Reporter
The controversy over the case of Jacqueline Liu (劉姍姍), director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kansas City, Missouri, was centered on the issue of diplomatic immunity and to what extent it should apply, which should be the priority in negotiations between Taipei and Washington, Democratic Progressive Party Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said yesterday.
Taiwan should stand firm on its sovereignty and demand the appropriate treatment its diplomats deserve, she told reporters during a question-and-answer session.
“However, we should not be partial to our diplomats if they have violated any laws,” Tsai said.
If the allegations against Liu are true, then she has violated related laws in both the US and Taiwan, DPP spokesperson Liang Wen-jie (梁文傑) told a press conference.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should launch an independent investigation into the case to determine whether Liu has violated any laws in her treatment of her Filipino housekeeper, he said.
“At the same time, the ministry should do its best to negotiate with the US and bring Liu back to Taiwan to stand trial, if it is necessary,” Liang said.
If the allegations are true, Liu has violated at least three clauses in the Criminal Code for her illegal retention of public funds, slavery and embezzlement, Liang said.
DPP legislators voiced similar views about the case with Gao Jyh-peng (高志鵬), saying in a separate press conference that the ministry should investigate Liu’s alleged violations before engaging the US about diplomatic immunity.
“It is very embarrassing that President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) insists that relations between Taiwan and the US are the best in the past three decades,” Gao said.
DPP Legislator Twu Shiing-jer (涂醒哲) urged the ministry to launch an investigation, as “Liu’s alleged human rights violations have tarnished Taiwan’s image and dignity in the international community.”