Pro-independence groups to hold rally at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall today

In support of President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) "one country on either side" of the Taiwan Strait remark, pro-Taiwan independence groups are scheduled to hold a demonstration at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall this evening, following a four-day candle light vigil at the monument.

"President Chen's statement that the two sides enjoy parity in sovereignty is not as firm as the `one country on each side,' remark which shows that he is backing off from his original comments. This event is being held to show our support for President Chen, and to encourage him to stand firm," said Holmes Liao (廖宏祥), the coordinator of the event.

"Taiwanese citizens should support President Chen and defend him from any kind of pressure," Liao said.

The demonstration was organized by the Alliance to Campaign for Rectifying the Name of Taiwan, which is composed of more than 70 pro-Taiwan groups.

The event, which will start at 7pm at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, will feature speeches by heavy-weight pro-independent activists, including Chen Lung-chu (陳隆志), national policy adviser to the president, Ng Chiau-tong (黃昭堂), chairman of the World United Formosans for Independence and Reverend William Lo (羅榮光), general-secretary of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan.

Alliance spokesperson Peter Wang (王獻極) told the Taipei Times that the event had not been planned until the president made his remarks last Saturday.

"We were so happy with President Chen's remark, and we feel that we have to show our support by holding the event."

According to Wang, this event is only a part of the alliance's campaign, launched last year to drum up support for a referendum law.

In the coming months, alliance members will climb Yushan, Taiwan's highest mountain, to promote Taiwan's independence.