TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 9 (UPI) -- Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian has apologized for his wife's behavior, which sparked allegations of improper profiteering on the stock market.
Chen made the apology during a televised appearance on TVBS, the China News Service reported on Tuesday. Chen, who is seeking a second term, said it was improper for the first lady of Taiwan to have caused heated public debate on whether or not she profited from the stock market by using inside information.
But Chen also said his apology was not an admission he believed his wife had engaged in illegal activities.
Media reports have suggested the first lady, Wu Shu-chen, made sizable profits from her access to inside information as the stock market was falling. The accusations have cast a shadow on Chen's moral stance in public office.
Chen said he hoped the public debate would stop after his apology. He said his wife did not know he planned to apologize on her behalf.
