The road to democracy may be winding and is like a river taking many curves, but eventually the river will reach the ocean.
Chen Shui-bian
Even if one tree falls down it wouldn't affect the entire forest.
Through mutual understanding, sincerity and goodwill, and with great wisdom and broad views, the leaders on both sides should jointly initiate new opportunities for peace, stability, cooperation and mutual benefit.
We will make every effort to unify all ethnic groups, to strengthen belief in Taiwan and to persist in reform.
It's true I didn't get a fair trial, but the problem is people don't understand the details. It is important to understand the details of the trial and why I'm not guilty under the charges that were brought against me.
In the 1999 resolution regarding Taiwan's future passed by the Democratic Progressive Party, it is stated very clearly that any change to the status quo of Taiwan must be decided by the people of Taiwan through referenda.
The majority of Taiwan people cannot accept Taiwan becoming a second Hong Kong, nor can we accept Taiwan becoming a local government of the People's Republic of China or a Special Administrative Region of China.
We sincerely ask the Beijing authorities across the Strait to view the election result from a positive perspective, to accept the democratic decision of the Taiwanese people.
During my 8 years in office, I set up a special investigatory branch as part of the highest court level. As it happened, from the time I set it up until now, I'm the one who has been investigated under that procedure. Of course, I had not expected this to happen.
We ask them to remove the missiles deployed against Taiwan, give up their military threat, and instead let us together open the door to cross-Strait peaceful and stable dialogue and negotiations.
We must not demonstrate any arrogance, and we must refrain from any irrational or undemocratic behavior.
I've been charged with misappropriation of funds or misuse of two types of funds.
We have had a long wait for democracy.
I believe that this is not only the view of the people on both sides of the Strait. It is also the common expectation of the US, Japan and the international community.
However, I must say that I am very happy to see that we have such a positive result for our first referendum in our history and that gives me more confidence in Taiwan's democracy.
I believe in the greatness of our democracy.
I believe in the greatness of our people.
We also intend to deal with the issue of incorporating basic human rights into our new constitution.
We will strive to make Taiwan a better place and enable our people to live better lives.
I understand the harsh feelings and sentiments from my opponents and their supporters because I myself have been defeated twice in my political life in the past and I understand very well it is hard to accept your own failure.
The election is over, and even though there are people who have different ideologies and beliefs, from now on we must all embrace each other, creating a harmonious and unified new Taiwan through our love and tolerance.
The results of the two referenda demonstrate the majority view of the Taiwanese people.
Over the next four years, I will continue to listen to different views and accept different suggestions.
Even if I were knocked down by one gunshot it wouldn't affect our democracy and I wasn't knocked down and I have great confidence in our democracy and in Taiwan and in the people of Taiwan.
If we really love and cherish Taiwan, we should hold our hands in unity to protect our country and our democratic values with the most humble and tolerant hearts.
I have great confidence in the universal value and in basic human rights and I have great confidence that referenda will eventually take root and become part of our daily lives in Taiwan.
The election result is not a victory that belongs to me or my party.
I have great confidence in Taiwan's democracy. I have great confidence in the universal value and in basic human rights, and I have great confidence that referenda will eventually take root and become part of our daily lives in Taiwan.
Also in the new constitution, we want to lower the voting age from 20 years to 18 years and also gradually implement a voluntary military service in replacement of the current compulsory military service.
Taiwan is an independent sovereign country.
Secondly I would like to make continuous efforts of stabilising cross Strait relations, eventually reaching peace across the Taiwan strait and stability and security in the Asia Pacific region.
It has been well over half a century and I'm glad to say we have taken the right path from authoritarianism to democracy and this is a road of no return.
The grandeur and strength or our people and democracy are as big as a forest.
We must unify Taiwan; we cannot afford to have our society being divided in half.
I did business the same way President Lee did, and from what I read in the papers, the same way President Ma has done. But I have been charged for misuse and misappropriation. People need to learn at the most basic level that valid charges have not been brought against me.
