The National Association for China's Unification in the Washington area on Friday hailed the joint press communique released by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Hu Jintao and Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party Chairman Lien Chan as of historic and realistic importance.

In a statement, the association expressed its congratulations on and support for the joint press communique, saying it reflects the common aspirations of overseas Chinese and constitutes a heavy blow to the "independence force" in Taiwan.

The statement said that starting from the common interests of the people on both sides of the strait, of the Asia-Pacific region and of the world as a whole, the leaders of the two parties have defined the common ground of sticking to the "1992 Consensus," opposing "independence of Taiwan," seeking cross-strait stability, promoting the development of cross-strait relations and safeguarding the interests of the people on both sides of the strait.

The joint press communique has far-reaching impacts on boosting cross-strait peace and development, increasing consensus, building up mutual trust, developing Chinese culture and creating a win-win situation, said the statement.

The current cross-strait situation is complicated, it said, noting that China's introduction of the Anti-Secession Law has worked to contain the rampant activities of the "Taiwan independence force."

Lien's visit and a coming trip by People's First Party leader James Soong in May, both at Hu's invitation, have ushered in a new stage in cross-strait contacts, said the statement.

The progress results from the goodwill of the Chinese government and people, and their commitment to China's peaceful reunification, it said, noting that the progress also reflects the mainstream public opinion on the island which aspires for peace, stability, mutual benefit and a win-win situation.

The statement said the positive interaction has raised enmity from Taiwan separatists and worries from the Taiwan leadership which is reluctant to drop the idea of independence. However, as the interaction benefits the welfare of the Taiwan people and cross-strait stability, it will be able to defy any blocking force and to secure widespread support from the people across the strait and overseas Chinese, it added.

Only after they abolish the platform of "Taiwan independence" and completely end separatist activities can the Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party and the Taiwan authorities bring about true benefits to the Taiwan people and enjoy the bright prospect of peaceful development for the cross-strait relationship, said the statement.

The association firmly believes that the important contact and dialogue between the CPC and KMT and subsequent exchanges between other parties from both sides will help melt away the "ice" built up in the cross-strait relations solely by the Taiwan separatists.

The wisdom and capability of the Chinese people across the strait will also contribute to a thaw of the cross-strait relations before the realization of cross-strait peace, common prosperity and a win-win situation, and eventually a rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it said.