ROC denounces Paris terrorist attacks

2015/11/17

President Ma Ying-jeou condemned the terrorist attacks that left at least 129 people dead and more than 350 injured Nov. 13 in Paris, extending the condolences of the ROC government and people to the families of the victims.

“At this moment, we stand side by side with the people of France in denouncing the violence,” Ma said Nov. 14 in Taipei City. “We hope that order will be restored as soon as possible.”

Immediately after the incidents, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed sympathies of the Taiwan people to the French Institute in Taipei as well as the French government through the country’s representative office in Paris.

In light of recent developments, MOFA has raised the travel advisory for Paris to a yellow alert, urging Taiwan people to refrain from visiting the French capital unless necessary and to take precautions if they must travel to the city.

According to Executive Yuan spokesman Sun Lih-chyun, Premier Mao Chi-kuo has instructed the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications as well as the Ministry of Education to ensure the safety of ROC nationals residing, studying or traveling in France.

Sun said the government is also strengthening border controls and keeping a close eye on related developments.

Other prominent members of Taiwan society have also offered condolences following the attacks, with presidential candidates from both the ruling Kuomintang and opposition Democratic Progressive Party condemning the violence.

During the final leg of his U.S. visit, the KMT’s Eric Chu said violent acts against humanity are unacceptable, adding that the world would become a better place if all people stood united.

Tsai Ying-wen from the DPP said attacks cannot be tolerated, and there is simply no place for such terrorist acts in a civil society.

In response, the French Institute in Taipei issued a statement offering its sincere appreciation to the public and private sectors of Taiwan.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238900&ctNode=2194&mp=9)