MILITARY MUST REMAIN NEUTRAL: DEFENSE CHIEF
ROC Central News Agency
2006-08-29 17:37:42
Taipei, Aug. 29 (CNA) National Defense Minister Lee Jye reiterated Tuesday the importance of military officers and soldiers remaining neutral regarding political events.
Lee made the remarks in response to media inquiries concerning the military's stance prior to the start of a sit-in organized by Shih Ming-teh, a former chairman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, to push for scandal-ridden President Chen Shui-bian to resign.
Lee said that according to his ministry's regulations, military officers and soldiers are banned from attending political events.
Asked whether the military has plans to address possible violent confrontations at the upcoming "anti-Chen" sit-in slated to begin Sept. 9, Lee said he refuses to make any comments or presumptions.
Lee also declined to answer a question on whether he had donated money to the Shih-initiated anti-Chen campaign.
Asked whether military personnel could attend the sit-in when they are not on duty, Lee did not give a direct answer, responding by asking the reporters: "Is it proper for an officer or soldier to head straight to a sit-in after getting off duty and taking of his uniform?"
Lee denied a rumor that the Ministry of National Defense has demanded that all officers and soldiers sign a statement that they will not join the "anti-Chen" sit-in.
He stressed that the military is required to strictly follow the rules of administrative neutrality and respect for the Constitution. No political party or government can demand that the military do anything that goes against the principle of following and safeguarding the Constitution, he added.
(By Elizabeth Hsu)
ENDITEM/Li
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