President Chen Shui-bian (
Presidential Office Deputy Secretary-General Liu Shih-fang (
She confirmed that Chen will be taking "Air Force One" to Palau. It will be the first time in the nation's modern history that the head of state has taken the president's official jet to conduct an overseas trip.
Dictator Chiang Kai-shek (
Liu dismissed speculation that Chen's use of "Air Force One" is an attempt to "remote control" the domestic situation from abroad as the anti-Chen campaign proper commences during his trip.
"The trip has diplomatic and historic meaning," Liu said.
Presidential Office Spokesman David Lee (李南陽) said that the main reason for flying "Air Force One" is because the trip is shorter and simpler than previous trips.
When asked why Chen will not take "Air Force One" to Guam, Liu said that this was the arrangement recommended by the US.
"The US government does not think it is a good idea because it is concerned about some local media reports, which have interpreted the US' approval of the trip as support for the president, who is facing mounting pressure to step down from office," she said. "The US government is also concerned about the question of sovereignty, which the national flag printed on the outside of the plane represents."
Chen will stay in Palau for two days and attend a summit with the nation's six Pacific allies there. Chen also plans to talk with the media on Tuesday.
Because of the small size of Nauru's airport, Chen, his entourage and press corps will take two charter planes to Nauru, where he will address parliament.
The delegation will then make a four-to-five-hour stopover in Guam before returning to Taipei.
Chen is scheduled to meet with officials and expatriates in Guam but will not make a public speech nor hold a press conference, following the US government's transit code of conduct, Liu said.
Meanwhile, Chen yesterday said on the eve of Journalist's Day that he would not allow an attack on his presidential reputation to stand, citing a media allegation that he would transport valuables on his trip.
"When it comes to the media's rumor-mongering and smear campaign, one of the most vicious ones is the allegation that I would smuggle jewelry and gold to prepare for exile," he said.
"I can endure personal attacks and insults, but I do not allow malicious attacks against my presidential duties spelled out in the Constitution," he said.
He was referring to a comment made by talk-show host Sisy Chen (陳文茜). The president has said he would file a lawsuit against her.
He also criticized China's diplomatic suppression of the nation and called on local media to understand the government's desire to keep details of his trips secret.
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