Taiwan prosecutor says vote recount by legal process

TAIPEI - Taiwan's chief prosecutor said on Monday a case calling for a vote recount filed by defeated presidential contender and Nationalist Party leader Lien Chan would be handled in accordance with the law.

"The case is being handled by the Taiwan high court and the high court has sealed all the ballot boxes," State Public Prosecutor General Lu Ren-fa told protesters outside his office in Taipei.

"I believe the Taiwan high court will handle this case carefully in accordance with the law."

About 1000 protesters contesting President Chen Shui-bian's narrow weekend election victory after a mysterious assassination attempt and the discovery of many spoiled ballots have vowed to continue their demonstrations until a recount is held.

- REUTERS