70,000 gather to tout peace

[dArKeR]

More than 70,000 people in Tainan County yesterday successfully joined hands to form a 62km-long human chain as a precursor to the upcoming 1-million-person human chain scheduled to be formed on Feb. 28 to demonstrate Taiwanese people's desire for peace and opposition to China's missile threats.

Former president Lee Teng-hui (???), the organizer of the "228 Hand-in-Hand Rally," yesterday participated in a walkabout and motorcade tour to show support and his regard for the people joining the line.

The rehearsal yesterday was led by Lee and Kaohsiung City Mayor Frank Hsieh (???).

Addressing the crowd, Lee said "the rehearsal has successfully been accomplished today and we've gained precious experience in how to act when the 1 million people rally takes place on Feb. 28. The efforts off each of you have paid off."

Lee said the event signifies the will of Taiwanese people to counter aggression from China, which has never given up on its desire to possess Taiwan.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2004/02/02/2003097148