Several hundred people paid tribute to President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) on the eve of his inauguration on Wednesday at a gala reception at Taiwan's "Twin Oaks" mansion in Washington, as pro-pan blue protesters demonstrated at the grounds entrance.
Ambassadors of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan joined with Taiwanese-Americans and a cross-section of supporters of Taiwan to eat, drink and chat in honor of Chen's re-election.
One of the stars of the event was Therese Shaheen, the former head of the American Institute in Taiwan, who was mobbed by reporters as she arrived in a signature bright red dress.
"I think it's a great night for a party," Shaheen said, as she avoided answering any diplomatically sensitive questions.
Asked about Chen's speech, she said, "My understanding is that the people are very happy. I think we're looking forward to a good speech."
Shaheen disclosed that she will visit Taiwan in the second or third week of next month to see old friends and visit old haunts.
Ambassadors of nearly a dozen countries attended the gala, including those from Guatemala, Honduras, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica and Swaziland.
While no members of Congress were spotted, a large number of Taiwan's most important supporters from the academic, think-tank and business worlds were in attendance.
Taiwan's outgoing de facto ambassador, Chen Chien-jen (程建人), told the throng that the celebration was not only about the inauguration, but also the success of Taiwan's democracy.
"We are gathered here to celebrate the inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu (
He recalled that, 50 years ago, Taiwan was "poor and authoritarian," but now it is "affluent, free and democratic and prosperous."
"Of course, our democracy is not perfect. Yes, we have some difficulties. But we have a vibrant democracy in Taiwan now. I have confidence in our democracy," he said.
Outside the grounds, a crowd estimated at some 200 demonstrated against the inauguration, crying "shame on you" to guests arriving at or leaving the reception.
With signs that said "Justice in Taiwan is Dead," "Boycott Taiwan's Fake President" and "Unfair Taiwan Election," the protesters were part of a broader movement in several other US cities and sites in other countries.
A leader of the group, Jeffrey Chen, told the Taipei Times that the group is not "anti-green," but felt that the inauguration should have been postponed until the legal processes dealing with the pan-blue challenge to the election were completed and the results were officially announced.
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