PROMISES: Several contenders to replace Hsieh have been mentioned by the media including his running mate Su Tseng-chang and former DPP chairman Yu Shyi-kun
By Ko Shu-ling
Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) will step down from his position as party chief tomorrow, a Hsieh campaign spokesman said yesterday.

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There are still numerous challenges ahead in cross-strait relations although the outcome of the recently-concluded presidential election is a relief to China, the nation's representative to the US said on Saturday.

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ADDRESS: The KMT and DPP caucuses criticized each other over whether legislative interpellations by the Cabinet should be suspended following the KMT's victory
By Flora Wang and Jimmy Chuang
Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) said yesterday that it was unlikely that the legislature would take the initiative to invite president-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to deliver a "State of the Union-style" address after he assumes office, unless Ma wants to.

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By Shih Hsiu-chuan
The Cabinet will not raise the prices of water, electricity, liquefied petroleum gas, fuel oil and natural gas before handing over power to the new government on May 20, spokesman Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) said yesterday.

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CHARISMA: A professor of sociology pointed to Ma Ying-jeou's popularity as the reason why people are willing to overlook his shortcomings as a public servant
By Ko Shu-ling
While opinion polls predicted a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) loss in Saturday's presidential election, the extent of its defeat came as a surprise to some, especially in the south, traditionally considered a DPP stronghold.

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BACK ON THE MENU: In the period since the pair was offered by Beijing, the Taipei Zoo has readied itself for the day when they would finally be allowed in
By Meggie Lu
The two pandas that were offered to Taiwan by China in 2005 could finally make it to their planned new home if approved by the Taipei High Administrative Court, the Council of Agriculture said yesterday.

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President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) will invite president-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) to observe a computerized military drill next month as part of his bid to ensure a smooth transition of power, an official at the Presidential Office said on Sunday.

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CORRUPTION: As was the case with President Chen Shui-bian, any investigation or court proceeding against Ma Ying-jeou would cease after he becomes president
By Rich Chang
A prosecutor confirmed yesterday that probes into allegations of corruption against president-elect Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rival Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) were ongoing.

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By Jenny W. Hsu
The manner in which the referendums on entering the UN, held in tandem with the presidential election on Saturday, were conducted leaves much room for improvement, foreign observers said yesterday, adding that the entire voting process lacked the necessary secrecy and was not properly monitored by trained professionals.

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BOOST: The Taiwan Area Freeway Bureau has stepped up measures to protect migrating butterflies after efforts last year proved ineffective
By Shelley Shan
As large numbers of milkweed butterflies migrate from the south of Taiwan to the north at this time of year, the Taiwan Area National Freeway Bureau has taken several measures to protect the indigenous species.

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By Loa Iok-sin
The names of Chinese historical figures Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇), Wu Zetian (武則天) and Confucius should not be used as names for giant trees in the traditional domain of the Atayals, Aborigines said.

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By Jenny W. Hsu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday strongly protested claims by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that Cambodian women living in Taiwan were ill-treated.

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■ ENERGY