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Government prepared to ‘protect’ national dignity

By Shih Hsiu-Chuan,Mo Yan-Chih and Ko Shu-Ling
STAFF REPORTERS
Friday, Aug 08, 2008, Page 3

Preemptive measures against situations that could damage the nation’s dignity during the Olympics are in place, Executive Yuan Spokeswoman Vanessa Shih (史亞平) quoted Premier Liu Chao-shiuan’s (劉兆玄) as saying yesterday.

“The premier assured the public that the government will cautiously handle any situations to prevent the nation’s dignity from being damaged,” Shih told a press conference.

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) also urged the public to focus more on the athletes participating in the Games than on “political issues,” adding that the country will not boycott the opening ceremony.

Council Vice Chairman Chang Liang-jen (張良任) said he realized the public attached great importance to the country’s international space and opportunities to participate in international organizations and activities.

“Don’t let the political disputes affect the performance of our athletes,” he said. “It is a good way to expand our international presence if they perform well.”

In related news, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) arrived in Beijing yesterday to attend the opening ceremony today at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤). Wu will watch the Taiwanese baseball team’s first match of the Games against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Former KMT chairman Lien Chan (連戰) and People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), will also meet Hu tonight.
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