Print

Mail

wiki links

Lu skips debate, makes own speech

Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) was the only Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate to skip a TV debate held yesterday, but she refused to let her male contenders dominate the media spotlight.

Spending yesterday morning and afternoon in Kaohsiung City, Lu called on Taiwan and China to develop a normal relationship and expressed her hope that she would represent the party in next year's presidential election.

Lu said that a national leader must have a correct view of history and a broad international vision.

"It is very dangerous to let someone who considers Taiwan as part of China or who has a narrow viewpoint govern the country," she said.

"I hope I'll have the opportunity to serve the country for another four years after my term expires. I promise I'll make every effort to build Taiwan into the world's most beautiful island," Lu added.

Commenting on her decision to skip the TV debate organized by the Taiwan Society, Lu said that she was not obliged to attend an event held by a private organization.

Lu also attributed her absence to what she said were defamatory remarks made by the organizers at the height of last year's anti-Chen campaign.

Secretary-general of the Taiwan Society Chet Yang (楊文嘉) said on Sept. 16 that "Lu is already gearing up to take over the president's position anytime."

Lu said she found it regrettable that neither Yang nor the association had ever apologized for the remark.

Lu, however, said that she would participate in the forums organized by her party.

The DPP's first forum will be held in Taipei on April 14, while the second one will take place in Chiayi on April 21.

Lu yesterday complimented her male contenders, saying each possessed unique qualities and was outstanding.

She also praised herself as a veteran democracy activist and lauded her contribution to women's movements, human rights and science and technology.

Lu once chaired the Presidential Office's now-disbanded human rights advisory committee and the science and technology advisory committee.

She also listed her election victories in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as one of her strengths.

During a separate event in Kaohsiung, Lu said it was important to normalize the relationship between Taiwan and China because they are "distant relatives and close neighbors," adding that "there shouldn't be any war between the two countries."

Lu also emphasized the strategic importance of the Penghu islets and said that Penghu and Taiwan shared the same fate as the former would bear the brunt of an attack by the Chinese military.

She proposed that the islets be further internationalized and serve as a symbol of her vision for turning Taiwan into an "ocean state."
This story has been viewed 1647 times.