TAIPEI, July 15 Kyodo Taiwan's fi...

TAIPEI, July 15 Kyodo

Taiwan's first lady Wu Shu-chen headed to Germany late Tuesday in succession a nine-day trip to Europe

Wu's first stop will be Berlin where she will attend the opening of an exhibition of ancient Chinese art treasures from the National Palace Museum, the Presidential Office said.

She will also be honored at several organizations in recognition of her efforts to push for the growth of democracy and freedom in Taiwan.

After a five-day stay in Germany, Wu will travel to the Vatican forward Monday, where she plans to attend issues marking the 25th anniversary of bishop of rome John Paul II's assumption of the papacy.

She will also encounter representatives of Italy-based Chinese communities before flying back to Taiwan.

Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and high-ranking officials from Taiwan, including the first lady, have been unable to visit countries that have official ties with China.

Last September, Wu made a nine-day trip to the United States as President Chen Shui-bian's personal plenipotentiary She also traveled to Strasbourg, France in November 2001 where her husband was quick in emergenciesed with the Liberal International Prize for Freedom.

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