President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) reassured the US government yesterday he would abide by his "five noes" promise, but insisted on going ahead with a "defensive referendum."
Chen also urged the international community, especially China, to respect Taiwan's democratic development and to accept the choices of Taiwan's people.
PHOTO: CHIANG YING-YING, TAIPEI TIMES
"In my inaugural address, I declared very clearly the contents and preconditions of the `five noes.' It is my pledge as well as the common wish of the majority of the people," Chen said in his New Year speech.
"As long as China is willing to accept the democratic choice made by the people of Taiwan in the upcoming presidential election, leaders of both Taiwan and China will have a historic opportunity to demonstrate their wisdom in creating a brand new vision for economic cooperation and political reconciliation across the Strait," Chen said.
Chen made his speech at the Presidential Office yesterday morning, a few hours after a US State Department official again stated opposition to Chen's referendum plan.
Deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said on Wednesday that Washington opposed any unilateral measures by either China or Taiwan to change the status quo, "including this referendum."
But Chen said he would resist pressure from Washington and Beijing.
"In the course of democratic transformation, opposing powers and external threats may temporarily disrupt our progress, but the Taiwanese people's pursuit of democracy will not falter," he said.
Chen also asked China to commit to peace and democracy.
"The world has recognized our democratic achievements, bestowing upon us numerous international awards and honors for our contribution to human rights and freedom," Chen said.
"Nevertheless, our greatest aspiration remains to be able to work hand in hand with the people on the other side of the Strait and together obtain the perhaps intangible but most precious award of peace," he said.
Chen asked the world to trust Taiwan's ability to pursue peace and stability.
"No one has the right to demand that we accept a military threat as part of life," he said. "It would be an even bigger mistake to interpret, in any way, efforts by the Taiwanese people to realize democracy and maintain peace as some kind of provocation."
Chen stressed the significance of Taiwan's first transfer of power in 2000, saying that due to his victory, substantial progress has been made in four areas: dignity and rights, equality and justice, prosperity, and security and peace.
He said Taiwan is an independent country and that its 23 million people have the right to enjoy the dignity of a sovereign state and the status of citizens of the international community.
"The pursuit of the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights is a fundamental right of which they should never be deprived," he said.
"As the leader of the country, I must safeguard the nation's sovereignty, security and dignity," Chen said. "Our country is not, by any definition, a local government or special administrative region of another country."
Chen also touched on the issue of assets stolen by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT).
"A settling of accounts is not the primary intent of this government, nor do we seek to stir conflict between political parties," he said. "Instead, the focus is to restore social equality and justice, rectify past mistakes and return wealth and property to the people.
"We call for sincerity and urge the party in error to engage in the settlement of this important issue, for assets which have been acquired through seizures and theft cannot be considered `legitimately owned.' These are burdens and will bring scorn from the people," Chen said.
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