Taiwan presidential candidate Ma cleared of graft

TAIPEI, Aug 14 (Reuters) Taiwan presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou was cleared of all corruption charges today, boosting his Nationalist Party's 2008 election bid as it pushes for closer ties with China.

Ma, a former mayor of Taipei, was charged in February on suspicion of diverting about T.176 million (339,000 dollars) in special government funds into his personal account every month for about five years.

In July, Taiwan prosecutors pressed additional charges, including breach of trust.

Ma stepped down as chairman of the main opposition Nationalist Party following the indictment but always denied wrongdoing.

Reuters KK SBA VP0743