Taipei, Feb. 26 (CNA) Every country has problems in its development, especially a country that is transforming from authoritarianism to democracy, but a constitutional system needs to be maintained as a basis, President Chen Shui-bian said Monday.
In a meeting with visiting former Bolivian President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, Chen touted Taiwan's democracy as something unheard of in mainland China, although Beijing is following the island's suit in developing its economy.
Citing his own political career as an example, Chen said it would be impossible for a dissident in mainland China to turn from a political prisoner to the elected mayor of the capital city and eventually head of state.
Describing democracy as a system valid for the whole world, Chen lauded Bolivia and the Republic of China for choosing democracy in preference to authoritarianism. He said he is proud that Taiwan has never wavered in its pursuit of democracy, despite the high cost of the transformation and Beijing's persistent military threats.
Chen noted that Taipei City struck a sistership agreement with La Paz when he served as the mayor of Taipei and Sanchez held the reins of power in Bolivia. He said he looks forward to Sanchez' reelection as head of Bolivia in 2002 and the bilateral ties that will grow.
Sanchez for his part hailed Taiwan as a democratic model for Asia and an exporter of democratic experience in the region. He branded the dispute between Taiwan and mainland China as one of territory, economic and political systems.
Sanchez called on Chen in the company of Bolivia's representative to Taipei Carlos Orlando Moreno Anez and ROC Foreign Minister Tien Hung-mao.