The State Council is calling for cooperation from both sides of the Taiwan Strait to nail down a schedule for direct flights. And now,Taiwan residents can sit for the judicial exam of the Chinese mainland. These messages are from a press conference held in Beijing by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. State Council spokesman Li Weiyi said Wednesday the mainland is working to realize direct flights and is also welcoming Taiwan residents and athletes to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games. Li Weiyi, Spokesman of Taiwan Affair Office, State Council, said, "As long as both sides of the Strait cooperate for the realization of direct flights and more charter flights, we believe the goal will be achieved very soon, given the new situation. Moreover, we are very glad to see athletes and residents from Taiwan attend and watch the Beijing Olympics by charter flights. And we would like to help them as much as we can." It was also announced that Taiwan residents will now be allowed to sit for the mainland judicial exam. Ding Lu, director of the National Judicial Examination Center, said it is necessary for economic and social development across the Taiwan Straits for Taiwan residents to take the exam and get qualifications for practicing law on the mainland. She mentioned the move will help promote cross-Straits exchanges and provide better legal service for compatriots across the Straits. Ding Lu, Director, National Judicial Examination Center, said, "Any Taiwan resident who meets the relevant conditions for sitting the exam is allowed to do so. They will take the exam just as mainland residents do, and if they pass it, certificates will be granted." The detailed request and regulations will be further explained in the proclamation of 2008 Judicial Exam.