Lawmaker sorry for Chen abuse but sticks to his guns

A Taiwanese opposition lawmaker yesterday apologised for using vulgar language when alleging that President Chen Shui-bian had given US$1 million to former Panamanian president Mireya Moscoso as a birthday gift.

But People First Party legislator Liu Wen-hsiung vowed to continue efforts to stop the Foreign Ministry channelling funds to other countries to buy political support for the island in the international arena.

'I offer my apology for the foul language I used, and I am willing to go down on my knees to show that I feel sorry for the words I said, but this does not mean I will abandon my efforts to seek the truth in the controversy,' he said.

Mr Liu, in comments he said were meant to be humorous, alleged on Wednesday that Mr Chen had given Ms Moscoso US$1 million as a 'birthday gift' to cover up 'sexual harassment in verbal form' during a meeting with her in Panama in August.

Both Mr Chen and Ms Moscoso, who stepped down as president last month, denied the allegations. Mr Chen sued Mr Liu for libel on Thursday, while Ms Moscoso was reportedly planning similar action against Mr Liu and his PFP colleague Tsay Chung-han.

Mr Liu said the source of his claim was radio talk show host Jaw Shau-kong.

Jaw, who was also sued by President Chen for libel, said internet news websites had been reporting the allegations for more than a month.