Taipei, Oct. 31 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian left Taiwan for New York Friday for a two-day transit stop on his way to Panama for an official visit.
The president said that he will attend the centennial celebrations in Panama, one of the staunchest allies of the Republic of China, and exchange notes with Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso on a free trade agreement signed by the two leaders in Taipei on Aug. 21.
Chen said that during his transit stop in New York, he will receive an international human rights award as well as pay respects to Madame Chiang Kai-shek, who passed away at her Manhattan home last week.
The president said that "due to the concerted efforts of Taiwan people, and their love of democracy, freedom and human rights" he has the chance to receive the award, adding that the honor belongs to all people on Taiwan.
First lady Wu Shu-chen, Vice President Annette Lu, Democratic Progressive Party Secretary General Chang Chun-hsiung, Presidential Office Secretary General Chiou I-jen, Deputy Secretary General Chen Che-nan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and the head of the foreign diplomatic corps were on hand to see off President Chen.
Chen said that he had told the presidents of the five Yuans that they have their own duties and need not come to the airport. He added that he hopes this will become a general practice that the presidents of the five Yuans, the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of the General Staff will no longer be present to see the president off from now on.