Taiwan supports the American-led military attack on Afghanistan and will provide any assistance that the US might request or humanitarian aid to the Central Asian nation, President Chen Shui-bian said (陳水扁) yesterday.
"If the US-led coalition needs access to our airspace, we're ready to give it any help that it needs to execute its anti-terrorism strikes," Chen said during a televised address.
PHOTO: TONY K. YAO, TAIPEI TIMES
The president also stressed Taiwan's support for the US-led alliance's efforts to single out military targets and terrorist bases with precision bombing, in an attempt to spare civilian lives.
Addressing a national security meeting at 8am yesterday, Chen voiced strong support for the military actions against Osama bin Laden.
The president said the National Security Council and the National Security Bureau notified him soon after the strikes began just after midnight yesterday.
"I immediately instructed the Cabinet to convene an emergency national security conference first thing in the morning, which set the national contingency mechanism in motion," the president said.
Chen said that, on behalf of the country, he wished to express his rejection of violence and terrorism and Taiwan's full support for the US' methods and determination in striking against terrorism.
"We understand the real purpose in attacking terrorists is not to seek revenge but to protect the rights and freedoms of the international community," Chen said.
The president then appealed to the public to remain calm and be confident in the government's ability to handle any possible contingencies. He said 55 contingency measures involving national security and finance had been drawn up.
He instructed the board of the NT$500 billion National Stabilization Fund to be prepared to intervene in the stock market or protect the supply of commodities and foreign trade.
Chen also instructed the Ministry of National Defense and the Mainland Affairs Council to remain on high alert to monitor any possible changes in the situation in the Taiwan Strait.
"All Cabinet members are well-prepared with comprehensive plans to deal with any possible situation," Chen said.
Vice President Annette Lu (呂秀蓮), Premier Chang Chun-hsiung (張俊雄) and other high-ranking officials from the Cabinet and national security departments were present at yesterday's emergency national security meeting, the third of its kind since the Sept. 11 attacks on the US.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet told all ministries and departments to enhance domestic security.
The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau placed its offices on the highest state of alert to maintain domestic stability and security -- especially to monitor foreigners who have connections with terrorist organizations or terrorist backgrounds.
"Airports, nuclear plants and other key installations must be protected from terrorist attacks," said government spokesman Su Tzen-ping (
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