http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapc...hen/index.html
Taiwan's President Chen shot
Friday, March 19, 2004 Posted: 2:41 AM EST (0741 GMT)
TAIPEI, Taiwan (CNN) -- Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has been rushed to hospital after being shot while campaigning for Saturday's election, the Presidential Office says.
Chen was shot in the stomach at 1:45 p.m. (0545 GMT) Friday but his condition was not critical, his office said.
The office said the president was conscious and that Chen had urged for calm.
A presidential spokesman said weekend elections would go on as planned.
Vice President Annette Lu was also was reported as wounded, but her condition was not yet known.
Chen and Lu had been driving on the back of an open vehicle in the president's hometown of Tainan when an unknown gunman opened fire.
There was initial confusion, with reports saying Chen had been injured by an errant exploding firecracker. Firecrackers are a feature of the campaign trail in Tawain.
Chen has been campaigning for a second term after four years in office.
On Saturday, Taiwan holds presidential elections and a controversial referendum that China considers a harbinger for a vote on the island's independence.
The referendum will ask voters to considern if China should reduce its military threat against the island.
Chen has ignored warnings from Washington and Beijing not to take any steps that could fuel tensions with mainland China.
More details soon.
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