BEIJING, Feb. 28 -- Taiwan affairs officials yesterday urged Taiwan authorities to recognize the "1992 Consensus" as a step to solving the major problem in cross-Straits relations.

    "The current problem in cross-Straits relations lies in the fact that the Taiwan authorities do not recognize the one-China principle and deny the 1992 Consensus," said a spokesman at the cabinet-level Taiwan Affairs Office, who asked his name not be used.

    The "1992 Consensus" refers to an agreement reached by the two sides in 1992 in Hong Kong, in which each side agreed to its own interpretation of the one-China principle.

    The spokesman made the remarks yesterday when commenting on Thursday meetings held between Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian and James Soong, chairman of the Taiwan opposition People First Party (PFP).

    Chen and Soong released a joint statement after their meeting, which included a 10-point agreement.

    Chen promised "not to declare independence, to change the name of the country's official name... to promote a referendum on independence or reunification which will alter the (cross-Straits) status quo."

    They also agreed that the "constitutional reforms" Chen is pushing for will not touch on the "state sovereignty."

    "We hope the Taiwan authorities will return to recognizing the '1992 Consensus,' take some practical measures to stop separatist activities and push cross-Straits ties so as to bring benefits to compatriots of the two sides," the spokesman told reporters.

    The spokesman reiterated the mainland's one-China stance and said that keeping the peace and stability of cross-Straits relations and taking gradual steps to achieve reunification of the sides is "our basic goal and direction" for dealing with the relationship.

    "We have confidence, sincerity and patience to increase communication and mutual understanding with our Taiwan compatriots through enhancing exchanges and promoting co-operation," he said.     

    (Source: China Daily)