Taiwan president shot in stomach

TAIPEI: Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was shot in the stomach on Friday while campaigning on the eve of presidential elections, but was not in critical condition, his spokesman told Reuters.

Vice President Annette Lu was also wounded but was not badly hurt, officials said. The pair had been travelling in an open-top jeep through the southern city of Tainan, waving to crowds, when an unknown assailant shot at them.

No arrest has been reported. Officials said the election would go ahead as planned on Saturday.

Chen, who was not wearing a bullet-proof vest, was rushed to hospital in Tainan, his home town. Television reports said the 54-year-old president was able to walk in for treatment.

Lu, 59, was wounded in the right leg and had to be assisted but her condition was not serious, officials said. —Reuters

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