Chen vows to foster more conciliatory atmosphere

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) said yesterday he will do his utmost to foster an atmosphere conducive to reconciliation between the ruling and opposition parties to facilitate political reform and national development.

Chen the pledge while meeting with Taiwanese expatriate community leaders from various Central American countries.

Saying global competition has become ever more intense in the 21st century, Chen said Taiwan should "consolidate internal unity" and redouble efforts to upgrade its overall competitiveness and retain market niches.

"At the moment, putting an end to the war of attrition between the ruling and opposition parties and streamlining the chaotic domestic political situation are our most important tasks," Chen said.

Chen he is determined to make every possible effort to "create a stable environment" for rational and sincere party-to-party dialogue and consultations.

"We'll do whatever we can to promote inter-party reconciliation to usher in a new era of dialogue and consultations for accelerated political reform and national development," Chen added.

During his talks with Taiwanese community leaders from Central America, Chen also expressed his desire to attend the fifth summit meeting between Taiwan and its Central American allies to be held in Central America later this year. The exact venue and date for the summit meeting has not been set.

"Central America is our diplomatic stronghold, with many of our allies located in the region. I have fond memories of each of my trips there," Chen said, adding that he is grateful for the wholehearted support of Taiwanese expatriates in those countries.