President assures former U.S. official of peaceful power transfer
ROC Central News Agency
2008-01-22 21:46:14
Taipei, Jan. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Tuesday that Taiwan will have a smooth presidential election March 22 and a peaceful power transfer.
He made the remarks while meeting with Jack Dyer Crouch, a former U.S. deputy national security advisor, at the Presidential Office. The two exchanged views on Taiwan's elections and future.
Crouch praised Taiwan's smooth and peaceful Jan. 12 legislative elections and said Taiwan has shown the world its successful democracy.
Chen said he felt obliged to pass down his knowledge and experience of leading the country to the new leader, no matter who is elected, and that he will make efforts in the remaining three months of his tenure to bring reconciliation to both the ruling and opposition parties in order to create a more harmonious political environment.
He told Crouch that Taiwan is "a faithful friend to the United States, as is the United States to Taiwan, although the two sides may hold different opinions on certain issues." He added that effective communication helps to solve discrepancies between friends.
A bill to purchase arms from the United States has won approval from the legislature, Chen said, adding that the bill will enhance Taiwan's cooperation with the United States and will help strengthen its own national defense ability.
He also expressed hope that Taiwan will make further progress in its democratic development with the support of the United States.
(By Ruth Wang)
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