Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian - file

CASTRIES, St. Lucia (CMC):

The Taiwanese Embassy here has reacted swiftly to reports of plans by the Opposition St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to boycott activities planned for today's state visit by President of Taiwan Chen Shui-bian.

In a weekend statement embassy officials expressed regret at the decision taken by the SLP not to participate in a state banquet and other functions to mark the visit of the president.

SLP leader Dr. Kenny Anthony noted that his party would not sit, eat or drink with representatives of a government which bribed officials in order to re-establish relations with St. Lucia.

"The SLP cannot endorse or welcome the president of a country whose ambassador engages and interferes in the domestic politics of St. Lucia."

Supportive of UWP

"Ambassador Tom Chou is openly supportive of the UWP (United Workers Party) regime, finances political projects of the UWP parliamentarians, routinely ignores the financial rules and procedures established by the Parliament of St. Lucia, even to the point of selecting and paying so-called contractors for projects selected by him and UWP parliamentarians".

Dismissed claims

However, the embassy has dismissed these claims as untrue and called on the SLP to desist from the charges unless it can provide evidence of them.

"We take the opportunity to again indicate our commitment to the development of St. Lucia and stand willing to help finance constituency projects regardless of political representation," the embassy statement noted.

"We can only conclude by the decision of the Opposition to reject our offer of assistance, that it is not interested in community projects which, from all indications, have been well received by residents and have been of immense benefit in terms of improving standards and living conditions," the statement noted.

It also slammed the party for "undiplomatic behaviour" in deciding to boycott a state visit by a democratically elected president.

"We state, further, that allegations of corruption are just that, allegations; and we warn that the SLP should cease misleading St. Lucians into thinking that President Chen has been found guilty of anything. That is up to the courts - something the Opposition is well aware of," it stated.