CHEN VOWS TO LET PEOPLE EXPRESS SENTIMENT AGAINST WAR THRU REFERENDUM
2003-12-07 17:32:02
Taipei, Dec. 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian vowed to let the Taiwan people's sentiment against Beijing's military threat and its missiles directed at the island be expressed through a referendum on the day of the presidential election next March 20.
Speaking at the launch of a national association of his Hakka supporters in Hsinchu County in northern Taiwan, Chen said it is his mission and his duty to show the world that the people of Taiwan are opposed to missiles and war.
He said the referendum bill passed by the Legislature Nov. 27 gives the president the right to hold what he called a "preventive referendum" to protect the country and the people, adding that this is why a referendum next March 20 is necessary.
A self-proclaimed Hakka person, the president touted his many measures designed to enhance the Hakka people's status, including the establishment of the Council for Hakka Affairs and the All-Hakka Television Channel, as well as the launch of the first ever Hakka Cultural Festival in the country.
The launch of the Association of the pro-Chen Hakkas brought together more than 60,000 of Chen's Hakka followers from around the island.
(By Maubo Chang)
ENDITEM/Li
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