19/03/2004
Taiwanese President and running mate shot on eve of elections
The Taiwan President and Vice-President have been shot just hours before the country was due to go to the polls.
President Chen Shui-bain was wounded in the stomach and his running mate Vice-President Annette Hsiu-lien Lu was hit in the right knee when a number of shots were fired at their motorcade as it passed through the southern city of Tainan.
Both received medical treatment but were later released from Tainan's Cimei Hospital.
Mr Chen said that the elections on Saturday would proceed as planned but both the government and opposition parties suspended their election campaigns and cancelled rallies set to take place on Friday evening.
In a statement issued by the government, the President and Vice-President urged citizens to remain calm. Secretary-General Chiou confirmed that a meeting of the National Security Council had been called and that "national security mechanisms have been activated".
The opposition party's presidential candidate Lien Chan and his running mate James Soong have been notified of the incident.
It is understood that both President Chen and Vice-President Lu have returned to their residences to recuperate.
Earlier reports had indicated that a firecracker had injured the President, but Taiwanese officials said later that a bullet had been removed from Mr Chen's stomach.
(SP)
President Chen Shui-bain was wounded in the stomach and his running mate Vice-President Annette Hsiu-lien Lu was hit in the right knee when a number of shots were fired at their motorcade as it passed through the southern city of Tainan.
Both received medical treatment but were later released from Tainan's Cimei Hospital.
Mr Chen said that the elections on Saturday would proceed as planned but both the government and opposition parties suspended their election campaigns and cancelled rallies set to take place on Friday evening.
In a statement issued by the government, the President and Vice-President urged citizens to remain calm. Secretary-General Chiou confirmed that a meeting of the National Security Council had been called and that "national security mechanisms have been activated".
The opposition party's presidential candidate Lien Chan and his running mate James Soong have been notified of the incident.
It is understood that both President Chen and Vice-President Lu have returned to their residences to recuperate.
Earlier reports had indicated that a firecracker had injured the President, but Taiwanese officials said later that a bullet had been removed from Mr Chen's stomach.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 October 2014
Zambian President Michael Sata Dies In London
Zambian President Michael Sata has died in London. According to media reports, he had been receiving treatment at London's King Edward VII hospital for an undisclosed illness. The reports said Mr Sata died on Tuesday with his wife and son at his bedside. It is not yet known who will succeed as president.
Zambian President Michael Sata Dies In London
Zambian President Michael Sata has died in London. According to media reports, he had been receiving treatment at London's King Edward VII hospital for an undisclosed illness. The reports said Mr Sata died on Tuesday with his wife and son at his bedside. It is not yet known who will succeed as president.
07 April 2014
Tánaiste Begins UK Visit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, together with Ms Carol Hanney, will accompany President Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins on the State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8-11 April.
Tánaiste Begins UK Visit
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, TD, together with Ms Carol Hanney, will accompany President Higgins and Mrs Sabina Higgins on the State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8-11 April.
07 May 2010
Recount Wins Fermanagh For Sinn Fein
Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew has now been re-elected in Fermanagh/South Tyrone. She was elected on the third recount with a margin in single figures defeating independent unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor.
Recount Wins Fermanagh For Sinn Fein
Sinn Fein's Michelle Gildernew has now been re-elected in Fermanagh/South Tyrone. She was elected on the third recount with a margin in single figures defeating independent unionist unity candidate Rodney Connor.
23 April 2007
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin dies
Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died at the age of 76. The cause of death has not yet been released, although some reports have suggested that he suffered heart failure. Mr Yeltsin was known to have a history of heart trouble. Mr Yeltsin is known for helping lead Russia into democracy and a market economy.
20 October 2003
Liberian peace 'jeopardised' by former president
The peace process in West Africa remains in jeopardy so long as exiled former President Charles Taylor of Liberia, indicted for war crimes, is at liberty in Nigeria and continues to intervene in Liberian politics, the prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone has said.
Liberian peace 'jeopardised' by former president
The peace process in West Africa remains in jeopardy so long as exiled former President Charles Taylor of Liberia, indicted for war crimes, is at liberty in Nigeria and continues to intervene in Liberian politics, the prosecutor for the Special Court for Sierra Leone has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.