Chen downplays politics on Alishan visit

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday urged the public to stop guessing who will be his running mate in next year's presidential election, saying that his priority is "economy and reform" instead of campaign issues.

"Right now, I am the president, not a candidate," Chen told reporters, while leading the media on a tour of Alishan.

"And according to the DPP's regulations, I haven't been nominated by the party. Therefore, I am not qualified to talk about the running mate issue," he said.

"While the media and the public can spend much of their time making wild guesses about my campaign partner," Chen said, "I, as the head of state, have many important things to do."

Chen stressed that the people of the country have high expectations of the government, and he also realizes his duty to shoulder heavy responsibilities, "so I will not dance to the tune of the outside world's speculations."

To help boost the tourism industry in central and southern Taiwan, Chen and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) made a joint inspection tour of Alishan's resort areas, where just recently there was a major train crash.

Chen and Lu arrived by train at the Shuisheliao Bat Ecology Exhibit Hall Station on the historic Alishan railway at 10:30am.

He commented on the running mate issue while making a speech to welcome groups.

However, Chen purposely praised Lu and Premier Yu Shyi-kun, who are both regarded as possible choices for his running mate next year, saying that Lu's achievements in initiating government reform and Yu's efforts in leading the Cabinet are significant contributions to the country.

Chen said he is hopeful that everyone will remember the March 1 train crash in which 17 people were killed and 173 others injured.

A four-carriage train derailed on March 1 halfway up Alishan. It was the worst accident in the 92-year history of the mountain's train service.

An initial investigation has revealed that human error was to blame for the crash, as a stopcock controlling the airbrake connection between the locomotive and the passenger carriages had been inadvertently left closed.

Four people, including the train's drivers and conductor, have been indicted for negligence.

Train service at the mountain resort resumed Monday after a week-long hiatus.

The government operates the 72km-long railway at an annual loss of about NT$110 million (US$3.2 million) , but has preserved the line because of its historic interest and as a draw for tourists.

The train crossing more than 80 bridges and passing through about 50 tunnels.

It is one of only three narrow-gauge, cogwheel alpine railways left in the world. The government is seeking to have the railway listed as a World Heritage site.