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New defense minister takes office

ROC Central News Agency

2008-02-25 21:41:48

    Taipei, Feb. 25 (CNA) Tsai Ming-shian took over as defense minister Monday, making him the first defense chief to be appointed from the ranks of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

    Tsai took possession of the Ministry of National Defense's (MND's) official seal from his predecessor Lee Tien-yu at a changeover ceremony presided over by Minister-without-portfolio Huang Hwui-jen.

    On behalf of President Chen Shui-bian, Huang lauded Lee for his dedication to fulfilling his call of duty since assuming office last May, citing Lee's achievements in promoting the restructuring of the nation's defense system, the reduction of armed forces, and adjustments in troop deployments.

    Lee was also credited for organizing a rare show of the country's military muscle in a National Day celebration rally last year and completing construction of a new highway on the remote Taiping Island in the South China Sea, which can be used as a runway for emergency relief operations.

    Moreover, Huang said, President Chen especially commended Lee for his accomplishments in maintaining neutrality and keeping politics away from military affairs, which compliments Taiwan's progress in democratization.

    During Monday's ceremony, Huang also conveyed President Chen's expectations for Tsai, asking him to continue carrying out various military reform projects, strengthen combat readiness and complete military buildup plans with a well-rounded vision.

    The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including Chief of the General Staff Gen. Huo Shou-yeh and two deputy defense ministers, Ko Cheng-heng and Lin Chen-yi, as well as top commenders of the three branches of service.

    At the end of the ceremony, Lee gave Tsai a hug and said: "Dear doctor, I hand over the defense ministry to you, " before leaving the ministry.

    Lee, who assumed the post last May, resigned Saturday amid mounting controversy over the establishment of a new defense company, named Taiwan Goal, in which the MND was supposed to hold a 45 percent stake. "I deeply regret that the establishment of Taiwan Goal caused concerns and doubts in various sectors and I hereby tender my resignation to take responsibility for failing to smoothly carry out an order to establish an arms company to boost development of the country's defense industry, " Lee said in a brief statement posted on the MND Web site Saturday.

    Tsai, 67, who has a doctorate from the California Western School of Law, served as a legislator for two terms and as a deputy representative to the United States and as a deputy defense minister and as a deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council.

(By Sofia Wu)

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