Chen has full `confidence' in Hsieh

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) told reporters that he would not name the new Cabinet during his visit to two of the nation's South Pacific allies.

Chen was speaking shortly after boarding a chartered flight on the first leg of his five-day visit to Palau and the Solomon Islands yesterday morning.

"I have respect for the Constitution, and I have complete confidence and trust in [Kaohsiung Mayor Frank] Hsieh's (謝長廷) wisdom and ability to make the right decisions regarding the Cabinet reshuffle," Chen said.

"I feel at ease with Hsieh as premier, and so should the nation and the media," Chen said, adding that Hsieh would make his own announcements relating to the reshuffle.

Chen said he would steer clear on matters relating to the new legislature.

"Neither I nor the Presidential Office will meddle with or intervene in the new legislature, especially not issues concerning the election of the new legislative speaker and deputy speaker on Feb. 1," Chen said.

"A-bian's hands will most certainly not extend to the new legislature," he said, referring to himself by his nickname.

Prior to his departure, Chen said that the new Cabinet, under Hsieh's leadership, would emphasize "consultation, dialogue and stability."

Among the officials to see Chen and his entourage off at CKS International Airport yesterday were Hsieh, first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍), Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), Presidential Office Secretary-General Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) and outgoing Premier Yu Shyi-kun.