UN torch relay

Thousands gathered outside the presidential office early this morning to cheer on runners in a round-the-island torch relay - the latest in a series of publicity stunts to demonstrate the island's wish to join the UN.

President Chen Shui-Bian and Vice President Annette Lu - holding burning torches - led the runners - jogging down Ketagalan Boulevard, outside the Presidential office, to a nearby old city gate

Its the first leg of a round the island relay covering 1200 kilometres, and taking in 25 cities and counties.

Of course, the event has attracted political controversy. The Taipei authorities (the Mayor is a member of the KMT) argued it was a political not sporting event and the organisers needed to apply for special permits - almost derailing the plans.

The magistrate of Kinmen - the offshore island closer to China than Taiwan - was the most upset. He said officials there would not offer any help with the event calling it an obvious political stunt designed to boost the DPP's chances at the next presidential elections.

The DPP is pushing for a public referendum to be held on the same date as the presdiential elections, asking the public if they support Taiwan's bid to join the UN under the name Taiwan, rather than its official title, the Republic of China (this was the first year Taiwan made a bid to join the UN under its "Taiwan" name).

The KMT are proposing another referendum - asking the public to support a vote for Taiwan's membership of the UN under its name, ROC, Republic of China.

They are also launching a round the island cycling event to support their own referendum idea.