HSIA LIN-CHING POSES WITH LICENCED PROSTITUTES IN TAIPEI, 1999-01-25 (photo)

Hsia Lin-ching (unmasked), professor of Taiwan's Fu Jen Catholic University, poses with licenced prostitutes after a news conference in Taipei January 25. The prostitutes said their efforts to fight for their "working rights" finally bore fruit after the Taipei city government announced January 25 licenced prostitutes would be allowed to resume their services for two more years in line with a resolution by members of the former city council. The previous council decided to give the licenced prostitutes a two-year grace period before removing their licences, but former opposition mayor Chen Shui-bian shelved the resolution. The newly elected mayor Ma Ying-jeou said the city government must abide by the council's decision, and if the new council, which was formed after Ma assumed office in December, had different opinion, the new council must review the issue and announce its new decision. LC/TAN