Taipei, April 22 (CNA) The news release issued by the Presidential Office said that since President Chen has not yet been nominated by his party for the 2004 presidential election, the question of selecting a running mate is premature.
The release added that the process would follow party guidelines and that the most pressing issue of the day is that of strengthening the nation's economic well-being and continuing political reform, not becoming embroiled in politics.
In light of many challenges and uncertainties that may arise from the aftermath of the war in Iraq and the current global outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndromes (SARS) , the statement said, President Chen hopes to see ruling and opposition parties stand united and work hand-in-hand to overcome all difficulties.
The statement also said President Chen is grateful for the devotion of all the staff members in his administration. "We should work even harder in the future to provide a better life for our people and create a brighter future for our nation, " the statement said.
Meanwhile, the statement said there was no break in protocol ahead of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's nomination process in the run-up to the last presidential election. "President Chen strictly followed his party's procedures in picking Lu as his running mate in the 2000 election. There were some delays in the process because of the devastation caused by a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rattled the island Sept. 21, 1999, but there was absolutely no dramatic twists and turns as speculated by the media," the statement added.