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Friday, 11 September 2009
Taiwan ex-leader says he is done with politics
Taiwan’s former president Chen Shui-bian, who is awaiting a verdict in a corruption case against him, has vowed to quit politics if he is released, a report said Thursday.
TAIPEI - Taiwan’s former president Chen Shui-bian, who is awaiting a verdict in a corruption case against him, has vowed to quit politics if he is released, a report said Thursday.
Chen, who has been locked up in a detention centre since late December, made the pledge in an interview with the local Apple Daily published a day before the verdict.
“I will not get involved in politics if I am released,” he told the paper.Chen, who left office last year after serving the maximum two four-year terms, is accused of embezzlement, money laundering and taking bribes while in power.
The Taipei District Court is due Friday to deliver its verdict on Chen and 13 others, including family members, in the far-reaching corruption case. Legal experts say he could face life in jail.
Chen, who favours Taiwan independence from China, insists he is innocent and accuses his Beijing-friendly successor President Ma Ying-jeou of leading a witch-hunt against him.
Chen reiterated during the interview that one of his biggest regrets in office was not to declare formal independence for the self-ruled island.
“I wonder what would have happened if I had drafted a ‘new Taiwan constitution’ which was then passed by a referendum and set up a government for Taiwan as a new country?” he asked. - AFP/vm
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Taiwan ex-leader says he is done with politics
10 September 2009
TAIPEI - Taiwan’s former president Chen Shui-bian, who is awaiting a verdict in a corruption case against him, has vowed to quit politics if he is released, a report said Thursday.
Chen, who has been locked up in a detention centre since late December, made the pledge in an interview with the local Apple Daily published a day before the verdict.
“I will not get involved in politics if I am released,” he told the paper.Chen, who left office last year after serving the maximum two four-year terms, is accused of embezzlement, money laundering and taking bribes while in power.
The Taipei District Court is due Friday to deliver its verdict on Chen and 13 others, including family members, in the far-reaching corruption case. Legal experts say he could face life in jail.
Chen, who favours Taiwan independence from China, insists he is innocent and accuses his Beijing-friendly successor President Ma Ying-jeou of leading a witch-hunt against him.
Chen reiterated during the interview that one of his biggest regrets in office was not to declare formal independence for the self-ruled island.
“I wonder what would have happened if I had drafted a ‘new Taiwan constitution’ which was then passed by a referendum and set up a government for Taiwan as a new country?” he asked. - AFP/vm
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