Taipei, Feb. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian likened the onset of spring with a thaw in cross-strait relations when he attended a Spring Festival gathering of literary and artistic figures Tuesday.
The president said that with the concerted efforts of all people, political reconciliation and the easing of cross-strait tensions can be achieved. "Spring is coming," the president said, referring to cross-strait peace and democratic development in Taiwan.
Chen made the remarks during his meeting with hundreds of literary and artistic figures at the party, which was sponsored by the National Cultural Association (NCA).
The president also presented each participant a "red envelope, " or lucky money, to wish them a happy and prosperous new year.
Chen said that he has always admired the lives of the literati and artists, saying that the power of culture and arts is unlimited.
With no pressure to seek another term, Chen said he hopes to do his best to deliver on the promise he made when he headed the NCA in August 2000 to establish a country based on culture so that Taiwan can become steeped in rich cultural ambience.
Chen also took the opportunity to introduce Tchen Yu-chiou, the NCA's secretary-general, saying that she served as the chairwoman of the Council for Cultural Affairs before, and hoped that she will continue to contribute to the literary and artistic development of Taiwan.