Taiwan's Justice Minister Chen Ding-nan said he planned...

Taiwan's Justice Minister Chen Ding-nan said he planned to abolish the death sentence before his term ends in 2004."I personally hope we can achieve this difficult task during my term, that is by May 20, 2004," Chen told a news conference marking the first year in office by the administration of President Chen Shui-bian.Chen Ding-nan said the plan was in response to repeated appeals by international human rights groups. Chen, whose aggressive drive against corruption has made him one of the most popular cabinet officials, cited studies as saying severe punishments did not stop crime.The ministry said Taiwan executed 17 criminals in 2000, compared to 24 in 1999 and 32 in 1998.