Premier Su hints at Cabinet reshuffle

Premier Su Tseng-chang, left, and his wife shake hands with Gambian children yesterday during a visit to a women's farm run by Taiwan's technical team in Gambia. PHOTO: CNA

Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) on Friday implied that there might be a Cabinet reshuffle upon his return to Taipei from his trip to Gambia this morning.

"Personnel affairs for the Cabinet will never be a done deal," Su said when approached by reporters during his Gambia trip. Su visited Gambia on behalf of President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) to take part in the inauguration ceremony for Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's third five-year term.

Cabinet Spokesman Cheng Wen-tsang (鄭文燦) interpreted Su's statement as meaning there would be a "minor reshuffle" in the Cabinet team when the premier arrives back in town.

Su said he had met with President Chen before his departure for Gambia last Thursday and that the president encouraged and affirmed his reshuffle suggestion.

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The president expects the Cabinet to do more for the public, Su added.

"I shall make the announcement of the new Cabinet members when the time is right. But, at the moment, it is not the time," Su said.

"I shall make the announcement of the new Cabinet members when the time is right. But, at the moment, it is not the time."

Su Tseng-chang, premier

"I am honored to represent my government in relaying a message to President Jammeh that the Taiwanese government is very pleased to take part in all kinds of construction that helps Gambia make progress," he added.

During his visit, Su announced a budget of US$30,000 would be given to the Gambian government for the establishment of an anti-AIDS program.

Su also invited Jammeh to attend the next summit for leaders of Taiwan's African allies, scheduled for early next year.

Gambia is one of five African countries in a group of 24 nations globally that recognize Taiwan.

Su and his entourage arrived in Banjul on Thursday after a 25-hour flight from Taipei which included a stop to refuel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Frankfurt stopover

On their flight back to Taipei, Su and his delegation made a brief transit in Frankfurt, Germany, yesterday afternoon. They were scheduled to return to Taipei this morning.

Frankfurt became the connection point because it is on China Airlines' routes so they can connect with its flights back to Taiwan, officials said.

They, however, declined to answer questions as to whether the premier would meet with any German officials at the airport during his stopover.