Taiwan is mourning the passing of Lee Teng-hui, the country’s first democratically elected president who died at the age of 97 July 30 in Taipei City.
In a post to her official Twitter account, President Tsai Ing-wen called today a time of mourning for the whole country, adding that Lee laid the foundation for a democracy built on pride and the country’s unique identity. His legacy will guide generations of Taiwan people as they courageously face future challenges, she said.
According to Presidential Office Secretary-General Su Jia-chyuan, Tsai extended her condolences to Lee’s family and directed relevant government agencies to provide assistance arranging the former president’s funeral and memorial service.
Inaugurated as president in 1988, Lee pushed for the abolishment of the Temporary Provisions Effective during the Period of Communist Rebellion as well as constitutional amendments, Legislature reform and democratic presidential elections. He was directly elected as Taiwan’s president in 1996 and dubbed “Mr. Democracy” for his role in ending authoritarian rule, Su added.
Other officials who expressed condolences include Vice President Lai Ching-te and Premier Su Tseng-chang.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government will persist in promoting the democratic ideals espoused by Lee and promised to keep working with allies and like-minded partners to safeguard international rules-based order while promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
Sharing a similar sentiment, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. offers its deepest condolences to Taiwan and will commemorate Lee’s legacy by continuing to strengthen the two sides’ relationship through shared democratic values. (YCH-E)
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