Taiwan president asks court to end First Lady trial

TAIPEI, Jan 25 (Reuters) Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian today asked the head of the island's court system to stop the corruption trial against the First Lady on grounds that it violates the head of state's right to confidentiality.

Chen's wife, Wu Shu-chen, and several former aides are being tried on charges they misused state funds earmarked for confidential government uses, including diplomacy.

But matters of private state affairs should not be taken to court, Chen's deputy secretary general told the judiciary president, according to a statement from Chen's office.

He asked the judiciary president to abort the Taipei District Court's entire five-week-old case, a day after prosecutors looked at sealed files related to Chen's confidential state affairs fund.

Prosecutors charged Wu in November with embezzlement and receipt forgery from the fund. The president's office has rejected the charges, saying the money in question went to legitimate government use.

Chen, a supporter of Taiwan independence from China, has said he would step down if the district court finds Wu guilty. Elected in 2000 and again in 2004, he would normally remain in office until early 2008.

The court magistrate will not decide what to do until next month at the earliest, a staff member of his office said.

REUTERS MS PM1705