PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS PLEDGE FOR NEW CONSTITUTION
ROC Central News Agency
2006-04-07 15:27:23
Taipei, April 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian reaffirmed Friday his promise to render a new constitution for Taiwan that is "timely, relevant and viable" before his term ends in 2008.
The president said the idea of drafting a new constitution for Taiwan was put forth by the late democratic activist Deng Nan-jung and that he has always kept this idea in mind.
Chen made the remarks while addressing a ceremony commemorating the 17th anniversary of the death of Deng, who burned himself to death in 1989 in protest against the former Kuomintang government's suppression of freedom of speech.
According to the president, Deng had proposed many ideas and objectives to promote democracy and freedom in Taiwan, and the best way to remember him is to stick to democracy and freedom.
Chen said the movement promoted by Deng to redress the miscarriage of justice in the 228 Incident, his efforts to uncover scandals involving the military, as well as his public discussion of Taiwan independence contributed greatly to the liberation of Taiwan society.
There is much room for improvement in the government's efforts to deal with the heritage of the past authoritarian era, because the complicated problems accumulated over the past five decades cannot be solved in a short period of time, he said.
Despite the challenges, such as the internal disparity over national identity and China's threat to invade Taiwan, the government will not give up on its ongoing efforts to deepen the country's democracy, he said.
On freedom of speech, the president said that although some people think that the freedom of speech enjoyed by the people in Taiwan is excessive in light of the release of some irresponsible remarks, the government will not compromise in its efforts to allow 100 percent freedom of speech in the country.
(By Y.F. Low)
ENDITEM/Li
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