Taiwan: Taiwan's politicians send condolences

Local political leaders yesterday condemned Tuesday's acts of terror in the US and sent their condolences to the people and the government of the grieving country.

DPP Chairman Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) expressed his condolences to the American people on behalf of the ruling party and also condemned the terrorist attack.

"Any violent attack goes against the development of civilization. The DPP severely condemns such a violent act," Hsieh said yesterday morning, expressing his deepest sorrow to victims and their family members.

Hsieh added that the horrifying destruction the US had suffered would have a negative impact on global security, economics and politics.

He called upon Taiwan's public to have confidence in the government, which, he said, should make the people's security its top priority.

KMT Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) said the incidents were "unprecedented and extremely ruthless, a tragedy for the US, the world and all mankind."

"The terrorists responsible for the attack should be subjected to the strictest condemnation and sanction by the international community. This is an unforgivable act," Lien said.

He said Taiwan should learn from the incident, namely to avoid war and create peace.

"It is time for us to work to improve cross-strait relations," Lien said, adding that though the consequences of the incident are still evolving, Taiwan should be aware of the impact on its national security, economy, financial markets, fiscal conditions and the safety of Taiwanese tourists.

People First Party Chairman James Soong (宋楚瑜), on returning to Taiwan from a US trip yesterday morning, sent his condolences and moral support to the US.

"I would like to express our deepest condolences to the people and government of the United States. Let us stand together behind the American people when they face this great threat to their national security and their people's lives," Soong said.

He urged people to speak with one voice to condemn violence.

"We condemn terrorism and unnecessary violence. Violence will not resolve problems, but will bring about more disasters," he said.

The PFP will make every effort to assist the government in coping with the possible impact of this international incident on Taiwan, Soong added.

He called on the people not to panic and to stand behind the government to prevent negative impacts on Taiwan's economy.

The Taiwan Independence Party, meanwhile, released a statement in which it warned the government "to take on a higher level of alertness against China and to increase its capacity to respond to any unexpected military attacks."