With pro-independence members boycotting the session, Taiwan's "legislature", the "Legislative Yuan", on Wednesday approved procedures for examining a bill that would force Chen Shui-bian to resign.

According to reports by Taiwan-based media, "lawmakers" from the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) and the People First Party (PFP), proposed the procedure at the day's plenary meeting of the "legislature".

Ma Ying-jeou, chairman of the KMT, told the afternoon session why Chen should be ousted as Taiwan's leader.

Under the procedure, the bill will be debated on Thursday and Friday prior to a vote.

In related developments, local police detained Shih Ming-teh, leader of the current campaign to force Chen to step down, and other campaigners, on charges of violating "laws on demonstrations" and "disturbing government work".

Editor: Donald