Chang Chun-hsiung named Taiwan PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6652741.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has named Chang Chun-hsiung, from his ruling Democratic Progressive Party, as the island's new prime minister.

The appointment follows the resignation of Su Tseng-chang on Saturday, after he lost the DPP's nomination as presidential candidate to Frank Hsieh.

Mr Chang is Taiwan's former top negotiator with mainland China.

He's expected to reshuffle the cabinet to help boost Mr Hsieh's chances in the 2008 presidential election.

After making the appointment, President Chen said Mr Chang was a political veteran who he hoped would be able to push key government bills through a current impasse in the legislature.

"With his rich political experience and his calm manner I believe that he will open up a new era in government over the next year," Mr Chen said on live television.

President Chen Shui-bian is stepping down next year at the end of his constitutional limit of two terms in office.

Mr Hsieh will face the opposition KMT candidate, Ma Ying-jeou, a popular former mayor of Taipei who is facing corruption charges.