Taipei, April 19 (CNA) ROC Vice President Annette Lu said Saturday that wherever humanitarian aid is needed you will find people from Taiwan; therefore, the people of Taiwan should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Lu made the remarks at a seminar on innovative sciences and technologies organized by the scientific advisory committee of the Presidential Office at the National Defense University in Taipei.
Lu said that Taiwan has had to deal with military threats from Beijing during the last five decades, but has nevertheless prospered.
Moreover, wherever there is a need for humanitarian assistance, the people of Taiwan are ready to help, she noted, adding that she thinks Taiwan people are qualified to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, and that President Chen Shui-bian should try hard to earn it on behalf of the people.
For his part, President Chen expressed gratitude to Lu for her assistance to him in the areas of national security, military and foreign affairs, and cross-Taiwan Strait relations during the last few years. Chen also hailed Lu's efforts in promoting equality between the sexes, tourism and human rights.
The president also praised Lu's performance in presiding over the scientific advisory committee, saying that the committee's focus on innovative science this year is of great importance, as this is a way Taiwan can improve its scientific competitiveness.
At the seminar, Chen also stressed the importance of integrating the national defense industry and the high-tech industry in the private sector, and making this the future direction for Taiwan's scientific development.