In the 1999 resolution regarding Taiwan's future passed by the Democratic Progressive Party, it is stated very clearly that any change to the status quo of Taiwan must be decided by the people of Taiwan through referenda.

It has been well over half a century and I'm glad to say we have taken the right path from authoritarianism to democracy and this is a road of no return.

I believe that this is not only the view of the people on both sides of the Strait. It is also the common expectation of the US, Japan and the international community.

We have had a long wait for democracy.

The results of the two referenda demonstrate the majority view of the Taiwanese people.

We will make every effort to unify all ethnic groups, to strengthen belief in Taiwan and to persist in reform.

A defensive referendum is for avoiding war and to help keep the Taiwanese people free of fear.