AIT-TECRO EXTRADITION RELATIONSHIP: SOMETHING FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L TAIPEI 000170 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/04/2018 TAGS: CJAN KCRM PREL PGOV TW SUBJECT: AIT-TECRO EXTRADITION RELATIONSHIP: SOMETHING FOR THE NEXT ADMINISTRATION REF: SECSTATE 5865 Classified By: AIT Director Stephen M. Young, Reason(s): 1.4 (B/D). ¶1. (C) AIT delivered to MOFA North American Affairs Deputy Director-General Christina Hsueh on January 24 reftel talking points on a possible extradition relationship between AIT and TECRO. AIT stressed that the USG was not proposing negotiations, only seeking to gauge Taiwan's interest and its willingness to pursue legislation necessary for an extradition agreement. ¶2. (C) D/G Hsueh responded that Taiwan was "definitely interested" in an extradition agreement with the U.S., the lack of which, Hsieh remarked, had been the major stumbling block to the return of wanted fugitive Rebar tycoon Wang You-theng. She promised to convey our inquiry to the Executive Yuan (EY) as soon as possible, but explained that the January 23 resignation of Premier Chang Chun-hsiung and his entire cabinet would delay EY response and action. Taiwan's newly elected Legislative Yuan (LY) will not be sworn in until February 1, Hsieh added, and the LY would probably not begin legislative work in earnest before the presidential election in March. ¶3. (C) Comment: On January 28, President Chen rejected the resignation of Chang and his cabinet. The presidential office insists the current cabinet remains "active." Nonetheless, Taiwan's presidential election will be March 22, and the current cabinet will be dissolved after the May 20 inauguration of Taiwan's next president. In the meantime, AIT will continue to monitor this issue, and seek further input regarding a possible extradition agreement and authorizing legislation from law enforcement and other government agencies. End Comment. YOUNG