Taipei, Sept. 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian stressed Saturday that the Republic of China will continue to strive to join the United Nations despite the latest setback.
Chen made the remarks when he addressed a ceremony in celebration of Lawyers Day sponsored by the Taipei Bar Association.
"We will not be discouraged," the president said. "Taiwan has to stand up, the Republic of China has to reach out, and our bid to re-enter the United Nations will be successful one day."
A UN steering Committee, after a lengthy debate of three hours and 16 minutes by UN members Thursday, decided to block a proposal by 14 of Taiwan's allies demanding that the world-governing body consider putting Taiwan's bid for UN membership into the General Assembly agenda.
"As long as there is determination, we'll succeed one day," Chen said. "We'll review the past approach, and recoup for a fresh start, and we won't stop until we reach our goals."
Chen also noted that the Presidential Office will consider establishing an advisory committee on issues related to the Constitution in the near future, and will try to listen to views from all sides so as to come up with a national consensus.
This was the first time that Chen clearly expressed his attitude toward issues related to the ROC Constitution in the wake of Vice President Annette Lu's suggestion for constitutional reforms to make the operations of the new administration, which has followed a dual-head system, more smooth.
Though President Chen of the Democratic Progressive Party was elected as the head of state, his party does not dominate the 225-seat Legislative Yuan.
President Chen said that the advisory committee will promote and serve the needs of the people.
He also said that the new government is actively studying the possibility of establishing a "world peace award" to promote peace in the Taiwan Strait.
Chen also reaffirmed the government's determination to crack down on "black gold" -- government's links to organized crime -- and election fraud and corruption, but he stressed that authorities will follow just procedures and protect human rights during the process.
Chen, himself a lawyer before beginning his political life, stressed that justice for the people and the protection of human rights will be the guiding principles of the pursuit of judicial reform.
Also attending the ceremony were Jesuitical Yuan President Wen Yueh-sheng, Mainland Affairs Chairperson Tsai Ing-wen and Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou. (By Lilian Wu)
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