Localization groups to counter-protest

Members of the pro-localization Northern Taiwan Society and Taiwan Society have applied for and received permission to hold a demonstration on Ketagelan Boulevard on Sept. 16 or Sept. 17 in support of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁)

The demonstration will be held because the organizers disagree with former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Shih Ming-teh's (施明德) campaign aimed at unseating Chen.

The two societies hope to attract 100,000 people to show their support for the administration and their determination to protect Taiwan.

Northern Taiwan Society Secretary-General Chet Yang (楊文嘉) says that his group held a meeting to discuss the demonstration and that the Taiwan Society had passed a resolution handing responsibility for organizing the event to the Northern Taiwan Society. Pro-localization organizations from southern Taiwan will also participate.

The groups will hold practice rallies at night in the 228 Memorial Park as warm-ups for the big event.

They hope this will encourage more people to join in.

The 908 Taiwan Republic Campaign is also planning to hold a "Taiwan Republic" flag-raising ceremony on Ketagelan Boulevard on Sept. 8 as part of its efforts to promote Taiwan's independence.