Taipei, July 26 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian said Thursday that the ROC government will devote itself to the promotion of peace across the Taiwan Strait with "maximum sincerity and patience."
Chen made the statement in a message sent from Taipei to the 27th annual congress of the Federation of Overseas Chinese Organizations in Europe, which opened in Brussels that day.
The president expressed his thanks to the overseas Chinese residents for their unswerving support for the government's efforts to participate in activities in the international community. "Overseas Chinese residents are not only an extension of the country's strength, but also a firm shield for the government to expand its international influence," Chen said.
He pledged that the government will develop Taiwan into a "genuine green silicon island" in the new century.
Regarding the development of cross-Taiwan Strait relations, Chen stated that the government "will pursue cross-strait reconciliation, constructive cooperation and everlasting peace with maximum sincerity and patience."
He pointed out that he expects that "all Chinese residents around the world will enjoy modern life under which freedom, democracy, equality and human rights are fully respected."