Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has decided not to issue a written rebuttal to an opposition campaign to recall him from office. Presidential aides say Mr. Chen will instead deliver a televised address to the people of Taiwan Tuesday evening. They say he will focus on his accomplishments in office and will not comment on allegations of corruption by members of his family.
Taiwan's parliament is to begin debating Wednesday an opposition motion that would authorize a national referendum on removing Mr. Chen from office. Opposition parties say he cannot be trusted because of alleged financial wrongdoing by his wife, son-in-law and senior aides. Mr. Chen has not been directly implicated in the scandals.