Chen planning trip to Central American, African allies

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) is to make his first state visit to Taiwan's allies in Central America and Africa in August to boost relations between the new government and its allies' leaders, said officials from the Presidential Office.

Sources revealed that President Chen had not yet decided on the details of this visit and that the final itinerary would not be publicized until late July.

Chen is scheduled to depart Aug. 13 to attend the inauguration of the Dominican Republic president-elect, and then travel to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, sources told the Taipei Times.

"The second part of the president's visit in southern Africa still needs to be evaluated," sources said.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered some suggestions for destinations, including Burkina Faso, Senegal and Gambia."

Sources said that the president's staff would consider those allies' reaction to a visit, what cooperation plans to offer to them, and the cross-strait situation at that time.

The president's two-week tour would also include a brief stopover in the US. The Presidential Office refused for the time being, however, to confirm in which city the president will land .

President Chen received an invitation from the Dominican Republic president-elect Hipolito Mejia to attend his inauguration on Aug. 16.

Sources said the new government needed to reconfirm its commitment to the diplomatic ties forged with the former ruling KMT administration.

"President Chen will introduce Taiwan's new government to the international community with this opportunity and give our allies confidence in the future relationship," sources said.

Officials were authorized to try to arrange a summit between President Chen and the state leaders of Taiwan's allies in Costa Rica.

Former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝) visited Central America in 1997 and officials from the Presidential Office said that the scale of President Chen's tour would be similar to former president Lee's.

"President Chen plans to visit at least six or seven countries," sources said.

Ranking officials from the National Security Council, the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have already been dispatched to the countries to carry out initial preparations for Chen's first overseas trip since taking office on May 20.

Secretary general to the president Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) said that Chen has the full power to lead the military and rule the country during his visit through a high-tech communication system.

"It will not be necessary to transfer leadership temporarily to Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) during the tour," Chang said.

Most countries switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing after the US did so in 1979 and Taiwan has vied for international recognition since.