Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday that he has been maintaining a low profile and monitoring the situation since the Dec. 1 elections so that next year's Cabinet reshuffle can bring about a turning point for national reform and establish a foundation for economic development.
In a meeting with visiting U.S. Representative Robert Wexler, Chen said that although the ruling Democratic Progressive Party had good results in the elections -- becoming the largest party in the Legislative Yuan for the first time -- he was neither excited nor proud, but rather even more humble because the people gave the party a chance that it should treasure.
Chen told the Florida Democrat that he is confident in the future and that he believes cross-Taiwan Strait relations will become even more stable, the economy will continue to develop and various democratic reforms will be promoted and completed.
The president said that the U.S. government and Congress can play the role of cross-strait stabilizer, balancer and "messenger of peace." The ROC government supports the development of a constructive relationship between the United States and mainland China but hopes that such a development will not affect or sacrifice Taiwan's interests.
Chen thanked Wexler, who is a member of the House International Relations Committee, for his long-time support of the Republic of China's bid to participate in various international organizations.
After Taiwan officially becomes a World Trade Organization member next year, the island hopes to become an observer in the World Health Organization and ultimately a member in the United Nations, the president added.
Wexler arrived in Taiwan Tuesday for a four-day visit, his first trip to Taiwan. He has called on U.S. President George W. Bush to continue selling arms to Taiwan and to support the island's bid for membership in international organizations.