President voices support for US

President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) yesterday reaffirmed Taiwan's support of the US-led war against Iraq, saying that he wanted to express the government's appreciation to the US, which has many times come to the aid of Taiwan.

"The display of Taiwan's support is because Taiwan must repay the US' long-term assistance during crucial moments in the past, and because our country strongly opposes the possession and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," Chen said.

He made the comments while receiving a group of business leaders at the Presidential Office.

He told the guests, senior executives of the Republic of China Junior Chamber of Commerce, that it was because of the support and assistance from the American government and people that Taiwan survived the major crises of the past -- including the 1958 Battle of the Taiwan Strait, the 1996 missile crisis and Beijing's intimidation in the run-up to Taiwan's 2000 presidential election.

Chen also sought to reassure the public about Taiwan's readiness to deal with any war-related emergencies. The government's emergency measures mechanism, created in the wake of the terrorist attacks in the US on Sept. 11, 2001, is a well-oiled machine ready to deal with any developments, he said.

"I would like to appeal to all people to keep calm and don't worry," Chen said.

The president went on to express his confidence in the Cabinet's ability to maintain the country's safety and improve the economy.

"Though the government has experienced difficulties since Tai-wan accomplished its first transfer of power, our country has gradually achieved a remarkable goal," Chen said, pointing to an economic growth rate that has gone from minus 2.18 percent in 2001 to 3.54 percent last year.

"And I believe that this year we will reach the goal of four percent," Chen said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮) expressed her intention to launch a series of activities to provide substantial post-war relief to Iraq.

Taiwan has the experience to serve as a peacemaker, Lu told reporters during an inspection tour in northern Taiwan. "Therefore the country will deliver its love to people of Iraq after the war is over," she said.

Lu stressed that Taiwan should not stay away from the war in Iraq, but that its proper role is to provide humanitarian aid and contribute to the post-war reconstruction effort.

"Just as I did after the US-led military action against Afghanistan, I will personally initiate activities to raise donations of money and goods to give to the Iraqi people, who are the most unfortunate victims of the war," Lu said.