Cristina Gallach, Spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, said Tuesday Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's move to cease the function of "National Unification Council" and the application of its guidelines is "provocative".

In a phone interview with Xinhua, Cristina described Chen's actions as "provocative and highly regrettable."

"Both sides of the Taiwan Straits should be looking to build mutual trust, not undermine it," Cristina added.

Chen announced his decision to cease the function of the "National Unification Council" (NUC) and the application of the "National Unification Guidelines" on Monday and formally signed papers endorsing his move on Tuesday, despite repeated warnings.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2006)