U.S. grants terms-free visa to Lee

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, APRIL 21. Brushing aside objections from China, the Bush Administration has granted a visa to the former President of Taiwan, Mr. Lee Teng- hui, to visit the U.S. and Washington has made it known that there are no restrictions placed on the visa.

``We consider Mr. Lee to be a private individual. Travel of private persons between Taiwan and the United States is normal part of our unofficial relationship,'' said the State Department.

Mr. Lee, who is expected to be in the U.S. between April 30 and May 6, had also applied for a visa to Japan and has been granted the same but with restrictions. Mr. Lee has been told by the Japanese that he cannot undertake any political activity there.

China does not consider Mr. Lee as a ``private person''; rather he is seen as the ``inventor of the infamous or notorious two- state doctrine''. But in all the noise made by Beijing on issuing a visa to Mr. Lee, the Bush Administration has made it known that it does not subscribe to China's point of view.

Politicians from Taiwan routinely ask for visas to enter or transit the U.S. on their way to Latin and Central America for official visits. And in deference to the wishes of Beijing, U.S. officials make sure that the transit hops - usually at Los Angeles - takes place without much fanfare even if it means keeping Members of Congress away.

Last August, Taiwan's present President, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, was allowed to spend a night in Los Angeles while going to Central America. But officials refused access to media and a reception to be hosted by several Members of Congress was cancelled.

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Section  : International
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