Newly-elected Taiwanese President Speaks on South Korea

Kang Myong-sang, a professor from Kyongnam University, staed that newly-elected Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian announced on April 19 that he hoped for the unconditional improvement of relations with South Korea.

The professor conducted an interview with the elected candidate following a request by the Joonang Ilbo on April 6.

The new president stated that he would not attach any conditions to an improvement in relations between the two nations, asking instead that Koreans understand Taiwanese emotions.

He told Mr. Kang that the relations between the two nations, including the revival of a direct route and the reinforcement of economic exchanges, should be improved to their pre-1992 states.

The new president revealed that he still remembered Korea's aid during the last Taiwanese earthquake.

President Chen also stated confidently that the two nations would have no further disputes in the future. In conjunction with the statement, Mr. Chen mentioned that he would officially announce the new measures on May 20.

The new president stated that he would place an emphasis on the continued survival of Taiwan and that he would make an all-out effort to eradicate corruption and unfairness.

by Chang Chung-hoon