AIT hails election as 'celebration of democracy,' but no word on Chen

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) did not issue an official statement in response to DPP president-elect Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) victory last night but hailed the process as a "celebration of democracy in Taiwan." Susan Stahl, spokeswoman of the US' de-facto diplomatic representative in Taiwan, said AIT Director Raymond Burghardt visited the three major candidates yesterday afternoon prior to the poll closing.

"His message was that whoever wins the election, this is a celebration of Taiwan's democracy," Stahl said.

Declining to comment on the impact of Chen's win on the triangular relations between Taiwan, China and the US, she would only say that "this is a victory for Taiwan's democracy."

James Lilley, the former US ambassador to China, said the US should firmly express its support for Taiwan's choice while continuing to engage China.

"The US should speak softly but clearly and carry a big stick," Lilley said in Taipei.

"Washington's role in this situation is to keep peace; peace must be maintained," he stressed.

Lilley said it is very important that the US clearly express support for Taiwan "and manage relations with China in this context. The whole world will benefit from this."

However, when asked if the Clinton Administration is ready to face the possible consequences of Chen's victory, Lilley said, "Who knows if the United States is ready to do this?"