Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

Changhua, Taiwan, June 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday he is pleased to see the World Health Organization (WHO) lift its travel warning against Taiwan over severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) concerns.

Nevertheless, Chen reminded the public that continued vigilance is needed to avoid a resurgence of the potentially deadly disease. "We should not be complacent at this moment. We should not let down our guard. We should continue precautions to have our nation moved from the WHO's list of areas with local SARS transmissions as early as possible," Chen said.

The president made the remarks during an inspection tour of the central county of Changhua where he visited a new-style touch fasteners manufacturing firm and an industrial park.

Noting that the nation's ultimate goal is to have the island lifted from the WHO list of SARS-affected areas or places with local SARS transmissions, Chen said Taiwan must continue all-out SARS-fighting efforts for at least 16 more days.