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Chen, Lu laud each other

Piling praise on each other, the close and friendly interaction between President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) yesterday led to media speculation as to whether their behavior is an indication that they will team up again for next year's presidential election.

During a speech to a seminar on innovative sciences and technologies yesterday, the president praised Lu's performance over the past few years, while Lu lauded Chen and stated that the president "should earn a Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the Taiwanese people."

The seminar at the National Defense University was organized by the scientific advisory committee of the Presidential Office.

Given that the people of Taiwan are ready to help whenever and wherever there is a need for humanitarian assistance in the international community, Lu said that they are qualified to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

"President Chen should earn the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of the Taiwanese people, to let the whole world know that Taiwan has not only created an economic and democratic miracle, but has also helped to stoke a peace miracle," Lu said.

She said that despite continuous military threats from Beijing, the nation has never provoked a war and has managed to prosper under the shadow of the Chinese threat during the past five decades.

Chen praised Lu for her assistance over the past years in the areas of national security, foreign affairs and cross-strait relations.

"Lu has been a great auxiliary to work with," said Chen, adding that the vice president has also contributed a great deal to the promotion of gender equality, tourism and human rights.

Now that the pan-blue camp has chosen its candidates for next March's presidential election -- KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) with PFP Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜) as his running mate, attention has shifted to the pan-green camp, with the public wondering who will pair up with Chen for the election.

Although Chen has publicized his desire to seek re-election, he has refused to reveal whether he would again team up with Lu for the re-election bid.
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