■ The media
Chen wants free press
President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) reiterated his commitment to freedom of the press on his Web site yesterday. Noting that freedom and democracy are basic factors of Taiwan's survival, Chen said he has never wavered in his commitment to defend "100 percent" freedom for all sectors of the media regardless whether or not he is president. However, Chen said, freedom doesn't mean people can do whatever they wish; there are limitations, such as not interfering with the freedom of others. Taiwan's democracy still has room for growth and so does its media, he said, adding that the media should grow through its own desire to improve itself and serve the needs of society. Some private groups have tried to coax the media to cover events better, the president said, but added that this task is not one for the government.
■ Foreign affairs
Aid ready for Iraq
Humanitarian assistance to Iraq is ready for shipment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced yesterday. Lu Ching-long (呂慶隆), vice chairman of MOFA's NGO Affairs Committee, made the remarks when he was reporting on the progress of a donation campaign for war-ravaged Iraq. Lu noted that domestic groups have solicited so far 3,445 cartons of mineral water, 7,300 packages of salt and sugar, 650 cartons of milk powder and food supplements, 10,112 blankets, one ambulance and 200 tents and sleeping bags, as well as NT$30.70 million in cash. Lu said that the MOFA is cooperating with Mercy Corps of the US in providing humanitarian assistance. The MOFA is renting a warehouse in Taoyuan to store all the collected materials.
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