White House gives Chen official congratulations

By Charles Snyder
STAFF REPORTER , IN WASHINGTON
Sunday, Mar 28, 2004,Page 1

"We join the American people in congratulating the people of Taiwan on the successful conclusion of their March 20 presidential election."
White House statement

The US congratulated President Chen Shui-bian (???) on his re-election Friday, some seven hours after the Central Election Commission formally declared Chen the victor in last Saturday's balloting.

The statement, issued by the White House shortly after noon, Washington time, contained an urgent call for calm in the face of the violence that has followed the election and the threat of violence in yesterday's planned protest march, and reiterated the US commitment to retain "close unofficial ties with the people of Taiwan." It also urged stability in the Taiwan Strait.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/03/28/2003108039