Heads of the nation's secret agencies and the police yesterday said that there was no evidence of a possible attack on President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) by any form of remote-controlled bomber aircraft during his inauguration ceremony on May 20.
They also said that a remote-controlled helicopter would probably be best in such an attack, but the possibility that it would succeed is remote.
"There are no signs that the president would be attacked by any remote-controlled aircraft carrying explosives," said Liu Shih-lin (
According to Liu, the police have investigated and issued clearances to nearly 1,000 remote-controlled aircraft fans. The investigation included their recent activities and the movement of stolen parts throughout the nation.
Liu also said that a remote helicopter would be the only option if anybody wants to use a remote-controlled aircraft to bomb the president.
"Other remote-controlled aircraft require a proper runway for take-off and their range is less than 1km. There is no area like that close to the Presidential Office," Liu said.
The police are actually more worried about an attack from the crowd during the inauguration.
"An attack by a protester from the crowd is something we are trying to avoid, too," Liu said.
"We hope it does not happen," he said.
In the meantime, the National Security Bureau said that it is planning to spend NT$1.2 million on bullet-proof glass to protect the president during the inauguration ceremony.
"That piece of glass is made in Germany and it will protect the president against attack by pistol or rifle, including long-range rifles used by professional assassins," said Hsu Li-meng (許立孟), the director-general of the bureau's Special Operation Squad.
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