The Chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Raymond Burghardt, is to visit Taipei to meet with the candidates in next year¡¯s presidential election.
 
Diplomatic officials made the announcement on Tuesday. Burghadt is the top US liaison officer with Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries. During his visit he will meet with ruling Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Frank Hsieh and his rival Ma Ying-jeou of the main opposition Kuomintang. Foreign ministry officials said Burghardt expects to get first-hand information about the two candidates¡¯ policies.

It is expected that Burghardt will also meet with President Chen Shui-bian and Foreign Minister James Huang during his visit.