Chen seeks support for referendum

President Chen Shui-bian, center, makes rice balls during a visit to the Tahsingshan Temple in Miaoli yesterday. Chen was in central Taiwan seeking support for his referendum initiative. PHOTO: FU CHAO-PIAO, TAIPEI TIMES

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday called on Taiwanese citizens to support the realization of the referendum plan, saying that it will be the nation's first opportunity to let their aspirations be known to the world.

It will also serve as a new mechanism to protect the dignity of Taiwanese, he said.

"The referendum willl be a joyful event for the nation," Chen said. "We must wipe out all obstacles to achieve the mission of exercising the nation's first direct expression of democracy."

Chen noted his administration's achievements since the power transfer after the 2000 presidential election, saying that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government accomplished many goals, including dealing with corruption cases spawned by the former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government, along with other various reform measures and initiatives to improve the nation's infrastructure.

The DPP held a series of large-scale campaign rallies to promote the national referendum in Taichuang County, yesterday.

The party's grassroots leaders in central Taiwan and its ally, the Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU), gathered to to urge supporters to press for the DPP's Chen-Lu ticket in the upcoming presidential election.

They will face the pan-blue ticket of KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜).

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) said during last night's rally that the referendum will be a crucial opportunity to display Taiwan's stance to the international community as well as to warn about China's ambition of absorbing Taiwan.

"If the referendum is not held, the failure is not going to President Chen's election, but the fate of Taiwan," Lu said.

Kaohsiung City mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) and Mainland Affairs Council chairperson Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) also attended the rally in support of Chen.

Tsai praised Chen's performance over his past four years in office, especially in carrying out reforms and endeavoring in improving cross-strait relations.

"Some attack President Chen for doing bad job on cross-strait policy," Tsai said. "As the head of the government's China affairs department, however, I completely disagree with those who criticize him."

"During past four years, I have witnessed President Chen's hard work. He's succeeded in not only maintaining stability and peace in the Taiwan Strait, but he has also protected Taiwan's dignity.

"Many Taiwanese businessmen in China tell me that only President Chen can ensure them a safe home as well as protect their rights," Tsai said.

Hsieh said that the referendum will not only strengthen the nation's democracy, but will also maintain Taiwan's dignity in the international community.

"Eight years ago, despite strong opposition from conservative politicians, including the KMT's James Soong (宋楚瑜) and Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Taiwan implemented its first direct presidential election," Hsieh said. "And now, once again, they oppose Taiwan's first national referendum just because they would rather please China."

"The referendum movement is a historical step to protect Taiwan's dignity, sovereignty, and democracy, and therefore, the presidential election is not just a battle between President Chen and the KMT's Lien Chan, but a struggle between Taiwan's 23 million citizens and Beijing's `authorities,'" Hsieh said.