Minority Taiwan MPs propose to kick out U S envoy

TAIPEI, Dec 1 (Reuters) A Taiwan opposition party sent a bill to parliament today seeking expulsion of the de facto U S ambassador because of his comments on military spending.

The motion by the People First Party demanding the removal of Stephen Young, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, is expected to be debated next week. It stands no chance of success.

The PFP, a minor opposition grouping, wants Young expelled because of a news conference he gave on Octber 26 urging parliament to act on an arms spending bill sidelined since 2001.

Young said Washington would watch who voted for and against the arms purchase bill, which would earmark 18 billion dollar to buy U S weapons to defend the self-ruled island against the perceived threat from China.

China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. Beijing has vowed to bring the self-governed democracy of 23 million people back under mainland rule, by force if necessary.

Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan, which styles itself the Republic of China, to the Communist People's Republic in 1979, but is obliged by the Taiwan Relations Act to defend the island.

Opposition lawmakers decried what they called Young's interference in Taiwan's internal administrative affairs and his attempt to influence parliament.

The opposition Nationalist (KMT) party and the PFP, which both favour closer ties with Beijing, say the package is pricey, unnecessary and provocative. They have used their majority in parliament to block a review of the budget for two years.

The PFP motion also blasts Young for supporting beleaguered Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian.

The KMT and PFP accuse Chen of corruption and have tried to oust him three times this year. Yesterday Chen's wife was suspended from the ruling party after she was indicted on corruption charges.

''Our legislature expresses the utmost condemnation, and designates him a most undesirable person in the Republic of China,'' the motion states. ''We ask demand that the U S side formally recall this inappropriate person as AIT chief.'' The AIT declined to comment on the bill.

Political insiders expect a small portion of the arms spending item to pass during the current legislative session.

REUTERS PDM BS1656