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Updated Thursday, January 12, 2012 0:31 am TWN, The China Post news staff

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Former AIT Director Douglas Paal arrives in Taiwan to witness election

Former American Institute in Taiwan (AIT, 美國在台協會) Director Douglas Paal (包道格) flew into Taiwan yesterday evening, as part of an election-observation delegation hosted by the Taipei-based Cross-Strait Interflow Prospect Foundation.

Paal will remain in Taiwan until Jan. 15, one day after the presidential and legislative election.

On Jan. 13, he meets with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Tsai Ing-wen at her campaign headquarters. On Jan. 14, he is set to see incumbent candidate Ma Ying-jeou.

Paal will also confer with domestic think tanks in closed-door meetings.

Other international delegates on the mission include former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz, Asia-Pacific security expert Robert Ross, and members of the U.S. Heritage Foundation.

'1992 Consensus'

Eyes are on Paal, who may repeat his past endorsement of the “1992 Consensus.” Paal is on the record for saying that the “1992 Consensus” is the basis of cross-strait political dialogue.

DPP's Tsai rejects the “1992 Consensus,” in favor of a “Taiwan Consensus” achieved through democratic process.

Paal has told domestic media that “One China, Different Interpretations” is already accepted by both mainland China and Taiwan.

Said Paal, unless either party emerges with an unexpected new interpretation of “One China,” the “1992 Consensus” will be the basis of bilateral talks.

Paal is also known for his big move in the last presidential election. On the eve of the 2008 Election Day, he stepped forth to publicly clarify KMT candidate Ma Ying-jeou's “green card controversy.”

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Comments

January 12, 2012 thm1229@

Great, now we have the Neo-Cons (I mean Republicans) coming to spoil the party here in Taiwan. Paal is bringing with him a formidable faction for the elections here. But where is George W? Paal and his circus endorse the 1992 Consensus?! Oh, please...

January 13, 2012 joesun369@

Taiwan is not an American territory. Taiwan's future was decided by Taiwanese people. There is no such agreement between Taiwan and China. Ma used "1992 Consensus" to threaten Taiwanese people. It won't work.

January 14, 2012 ludahai_twn@

Paal was invited by a pro-KMT group so of course he is spouting pro-KMT propaganda. However, does anyone remember what the KMT did in the past when foreigners came to Taiwan to support the DPP? Hypocrisy rears its ugly head once again.