Taipei, Nov. 14 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian Wednesday expressed his thanks to Liberal International (LI), an alliance formed by liberal political parties from 67 countries, for awarding him the 2001 "Prize for Freedom."
Chen made the comments in a video-taped speech to be screened at the award-presentation ceremony in the southern French city of Strasbourg Nov. 14.
In his speech, Chen noted that the prize is actually not presented to him, but to the 23 million people on Taiwan who love peace, uphold freedom and respect human rights.
Since assuming the presidency in May of last year, Chen said that he has been devoting himself to the promotion of democratic development and social welfare.
Under the new government, he said that a "human rights consultation task force" has been organized and added that a "state human rights council" is going to be established.
Chen said that in the past he fought for democracy and freedom in Taiwan and had paid for these efforts. However, he said that he now feels honorary of being able to propagate this universal value in his capacity as the president of the Republic of China.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan's accomplishment in democratic development will be able to bring about peace and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait.
The president said that he has displayed goodwill to mainland China after becoming president and added that he would strive for normalization of cross-strait relations based on the principles of constructive cooperation and everlasting peace.
Under the premises of democracy, equality and peace, Chen pointed out that he will continue acting to ensure peace across the Taiwan Strait and try to build a new framework for permanent peace and political integration.
He also said that at a time of global anti-terrorism campaigns, Taiwan is a solid contributor to the security and prosperity of the international community.