Sat, May 13, 2006 - Page 1 News List

Chen returns from nine-day odyssey

`UNCRUSHABLE ROSES' After his long trip to Latin America, a defiant Chen Shui-bian said Taiwanese would never give up the fight for more recognition

By Chang Yun-ping  /  STAFF REPORTER

Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters outside the airport, Chen yesterday reaffirmed his determination to maximize the opportunities to increase the country's diplomatic space.

"My conclusion is: if Taiwan wants to stand up and step out in the international community, we have to make our own way. Where there is a will, there is a way ... because we are the uncrushable roses," said the president.

Defending huang

Chen yesterday also defended foreign minister James Huang (黃志芳) who was accused by the media of "lying" about the president's whereabouts.

"If the minister ever lied, I believe he did not do it on purpose. It is because he wanted to achieve a `mission impossible.' Besides, diplomats are accorded with the privilege to lie. Although there are voices asking him to step down, I've decided that he will not go," Chen said via broadcast intercom in his chartered plane shortly after its landing in Taipei.

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