The mainland-based Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League (TDSGL) launched a new association on Thursday, aiming to promote people-to-people exchanges among Taiwan compatriots living on the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The "Cross-Straits Association for People-to-people Exchanges among Taiwan Compatriots" is a national social organization, and it will work for the promotion of reunification of the motherland at an early date.

Zhang Kehui, honorary chairman of the TDSGL, was elected chairman of the new association, while Lin Wenyi, chairman of theTDSGL, Liu Yiming, Wu Guozhen, Li Minkuan, and Zhang Huajun were elected vice chairmen of the association. Zhang Ning was appointed its secretary-general.

Speakers at the opening ceremony pledged to contribute to the motherland's reunification through the newly-established platform.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2006)