Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Saturday that national interest must be regarded as the most important thing when implementing national policy.
He made the remarks while speaking at the end of a seminar on national development for senior officials of the Executive Yuan.
Chen noted that national interest comes higher than the interests of individuals, groups and political parties and, therefore, top priority should be given to national interest in case it conflicts with individual or party interests.
The president also mentioned the importance of people's interest, national defense, public opinions, professional guidance and balanced development.
He pointed out that national development is built on the basis of national defense, which he described as the main pillar of the so-called "new-median route."
As anti-terrorism has become an important international subject, Chen said that Taiwan must cooperate with the international community in this regard.
The president reiterated the government's determination to conduct reform despite difficulties lying ahead.