President calls for calm over North Korean leader's death
ROC Central News Agency
2011/12/19 15:30:09
Taipei, Dec. 19 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou said Monday that the people of Taiwan need not be panicked by the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, as it is not expected to have a strong impact on Taiwan's diplomacy or defenses in the short term.
Ma's remarks followed an announcement by Minister of Foreign Affairs Timothy Yang that his ministry has formed an emergency task force to cope with any new developments on the Korean Peninsula in the wake of Kim's death.
Ma, who is seeking re-election, said during a news conference at his campaign office that the National Security Council has invited defense, foreign, security, economic and mainland affairs officials to a brainstorming session to discuss the possible impact of the North Korean strongman's death.
"The council will give me a briefing on the conclusion of the meeting later in the day," Ma said.
Although the local stock market fluctuated dramatically Monday on news of Kim's death, Ma said local people should remain calm because domestic economic fundamentals remain sound.
On reports that South Korea's military has been on emergency alert since news of Kim's demise emerged and that Japan's Cabinet held an emergency meeting Monday morning, Ma pointed out that those two countries are very close to North Korea.
"While Taiwan is located a bit farther from North Korea than either South Korea or Japan, we attach great importance to the possible impact of Kim's death and will deal carefully with all relevant issues," Ma said.
Presidential Office spokesman Fan Chiang Tai-chi said Ma was scheduled to call a news conference later in the day to brief the public on the government's response measures.
Meanwhile, military spokesman Luo Shou-he said the Ministry of National Defense is also closely watching developments on the Korean Peninsula. (By Kelvin Huang and Sofia Wu) ENDITEM/J
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