President Chen Shui-bian and Mrs. Chen, and Vice President Annette Lu have posted e-cards on the website of the Office of the President to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
The Presidential Office's Department of Public Affairs said that the design of the card released by President and Mrs. Chen wishing the public a Happy New Year is based on "Passing the torch among the public and entering the United Nations." The card stresses that this nation's participation in the United Nations as a new member under the name "Taiwan" is not only a fundamental right of Taiwan's 23 million people but also a proactive move to deepen Taiwan's democracy. Taiwan hopes that the international community will assist Taiwan in winning its deserved seat in the UN, so that it may fulfill its aspiration to promote the peace and well-being of all mankind.
The 2008 New Year's e-card issued by President and Mrs. Chen features the slogan "UN for Taiwan" and also includes "corporate caring" theme music. It displays a runner taking big strides forward and carrying a torch with him – his eyes set on the world at large. This represents Taiwan's "never give up" spirit in its desire to enter the UN and to participate in other international organizations, as well as its willingness to contribute to the happiness of mankind and global peace. Going from 2006 to 2007, and now as we enter 2008, the president continues to embrace the ideal of leading Taiwan forward through any obstacles it may face toward a bright future. The president believes Taiwan will continue to promote democracy and peace, and will pass these ideals on from generation to generation.
Meanwhile, Vice President Lu's 2008 New Year's e-card features elegant water lilies that are tastefully framed. The vice president hopes that 2008 will be a year that brings peace and prosperity to Taiwan. The theme music of the e-card is called "Tender Thoughts." Vice President Lu hopes that people will also remember family members in their hometowns as well as long-lost friends, and find a moment to contact them and wish them well.
The e-cards from President & Mrs. Chen and Vice President Lu can be found on the website of the Office of the President. We welcome you to forward the web address for the cards to your family and friends, and also wish you the best for 2008.