Taipei, Nov. 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian told the nation Sunday evening that his administration is making gradual progress toward social stability and prosperity, and that the nation has good reasons for strong confidence in its own future.
In a recorded TV speech, President Chen said his administration, which came into power in May, is doing its best to promote economic development, fight economic crimes, enhance national security, improve cross-strait relations, and implement administrative reforms.
He said that his new government is still learning the ropes, but will do its best to make progress for the nation.
In the speech, Chen stressed the importance of political stability. He said that economic prosperity and all kinds of reform and progress are improbable, if the political situation is unstable.
He said that the opinions and positions of opposition parties deserve full respects by his administration, and that controversies over public affairs and government policies shall be scrutinized and resolved through constitutional process. "The fruit of democracy must be treasured by all of us," he stressed.
Chen said the controversies over the scrapping of the power plant project should be resolved in a rational way. He apologized to KMT Chairman Lien Chan for announcing the government's decision to scrap the project "at an inappropriate time."