Taipei, Nov. 11 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian claimed Monday that aboriginal people and the development of Taiwan are "inseparable" and he lauded the nation's aborigines as "the most pure and valuable assets" of Taiwan.
The president made the remarks when he attended the sixth award ceremony for 13 individuals and groups, including popular singer A-mei, or Chang Huei-mei -- who is of the Puyuma tribe -- who have contributed to the promotion of the social development of the country's aboriginal people.
Chen stressed that fighting for the rights and welfare of the aboriginal people has been one of his "major agendas, " adding that the nation has an obligation to provide protection and support to the aboriginal people, as well as the chance for development.
He said that the government is concerned about the development of the aboriginal people, in terms of cultural heritage, education, job counseling and industrial development, and added that the government is planning to provide more resources and better planning for the benefit of aboriginal people.
He also revealed that the living room of the Presidential Office has just been renovated with an aboriginal design and has been named "Taiwan Green Hall." He added that he has often told visitors that "without aboriginal people, there is no present Taiwan."