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No power outage planned during Double Ten display

Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, left, and Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu talk to the press following a meeting about preparations for the national day military display. PHOTO: FANG PIN-CHAO, TAIPEI TIMES

Minister of National Defense Lee Tien-yu (李天羽) said yesterday that it would not be necessary to shut down the power supply in the area around the Presidential Office to facilitate a planned paratrooper display on Double Ten National Day.

The ministry announced plans for the display at a press conference held on Tuesday. At the time, the ministry said that in order to ensure the safety of paratroopers who might accidentally get caught up in power lines, the power would be turned off in a 1km radius of the drop zone for two to three hours.

However, Lee said yesterday that as less than 100 paratroopers would take part in the exercise, the shut down would not be necessary. He made the announcement after meeting with Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), who doubles as the chairman of the National Day celebrations committee.

Lee admitted that he had heard some complaints about the display.

"This is only natural, because many people will have to sacrifice their days off to practice," Lee said. "But, I must say, most of my fellow soldiers are more than happy and proud to be part of this display."

Wang said yesterday that the military display was a good idea.

"One of the three proposals by the Ministry of National Defense was to cancel this year's National Day celebration, but I thought there was no reason to do so," he said.

Also see story:
Parade flowers, not guns on Oct. 10

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