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Foreign ministry shows support for victims of attacks

On behalf of Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Hung-mao (田弘茂), his deputy, Wu Tzu-dan (吳子丹), yesterday signed a book of condolence for victims of last week's terrorist attacks in the US.

The signing took place at the Taipei office of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), in a show of the government's support for the US in its efforts to eliminate terrorism. Wu was received by the acting director of AIT, Pamela Slutz, who thanked him for Taiwan's support.

Ministry spokeswoman Katharine Chang (張小月) said that, during Wu's meeting with Slutz, Wu reiterated Taiwan's support for US determination to crack down on terrorism.

Chang said that the US would not sacrifice its close ties with Taiwan in exchange for China's support for US-led anti-terrorist measures.

"Judging from our past experiences with the US, the American government has handled Taiwan-US relations separately from other issues," Chang said.

"We strongly believe the US will not link our bilateral relations to the matter of terrorism."

"We have been opposing China's intention to link cross-strait relations to any other issue under any circumstances, or to exchange cross-strait relations for any political interest for which China yearns," said Chang.

Chang said Taiwan is willing to offer assistance to fight global terrorism if necessary.

Chang was responding to an appeal by US President George W. Bush for global cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Bush said in a speech delivered to a joint session of Congress on Thursday: "The civilized world is rallying to America's side. They understand that if terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next."

Chang said no matter what cause terrorists pursue, Taiwan cannot tolerate any violent terrorist action that threatens human beings or their property.

"We have also offered to provide any necessary assistance to the US-led anti-terrorism campaign," she said.
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