President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), trying to lift the country's spirits in a New Year's Eve speech last night, said he realized the pain people had endured during a depressing year but vowed to move forward with reforms and boost the economy.
"I fully understand all the difficulties and challenges our people have gone through over the past year," Chen said in his year-end remarks broadcast on television.
"Everybody is concerned about our economy. In the coming year, I will give my opinions on the issues our people most care about," he said.
He also commented for the first time on China's 16th Party Congress, held in November, saying that he welcomed the smooth transfer of power in China.
He also called on Chinese authorities to talk with Taiwan about protecting the rights of Taiwanese businessmen and cross-strait trade.
He said he would comment further on cross-strait relations in his New Year's Day speech today.
Sources from the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) said that in today's comments, Chen will reiterate the promise made in his inauguration speech two years ago on the so-called "five no's," which include that he would not push for Taiwan's independence.
Interpreting Chen's remarks, a senior official from the MAC said that Chen's remarks were aimed at reconfirming his middle path and creating a stable atmosphere across the Taiwan Strait.
The source also said that the government hopes that Chinese authorities will interpret Chen's remarks positively and understand the goodwill expressed by Taiwan.
The MAC official said that the president will talk about economic issues and his hopes of China democratizing.
Jan Jyh-horng (
Officials from the Presidential Office said that the president hoped his speech would raise the morale of his countrymen.
Chen said that in the past year, both the government and Taiwanese people had faced a number of difficulties about which he felt deeply.
Meanwhile, despite low temperatures and a fresh wind, thousands of people packed the square in front of the Presidential Office for New Year's celebrations last night.
In a festive atmosphere full of sights, sounds and special effects, revellers waited eagerly for the programs spanning from the last night of last year into the first day of this year. The venue was heavily guarded by armed policemen.
Chen appeared at the celebration at 10:30pm, marking the climax of the festivities.
He told the crowd he hoped the people could work together with the government to make 2003 a better year.
Taipei and Kaohsiung city governments held their own celebration that included concerts.
Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) yesterday not only counted down the final seconds to the New Year with onlookers but also sang a song from an album by pop star Richie Jen (任賢齊).
The song vividly portrays both mayors' successes in getting re-elected and their ambitions for their second terms.
Ma said yesterday that the theme of the celebrations was in line with his administration's goals.
In the new year, Ma said he hoped to further realize the goals of elevating the city's development in the areas of culture, sports, recreation and health.
RSS