Taipei, Jan. 24 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian Friday ordered the National Security Council (SEC) to set up an emergency mechanism to deal with the possible outbreak of war between the United Stats and Iraq.
He made the instruction at an NSC meeting which was also attended by representatives from various government agencies.
Chen said that the government hopes that the U.S.-Iraq problem can be resolved peacefully but added that the NSC should establish a mechanism to cope with the situation.
Accompanied by Vice President Annette Lu, Premier Yu Shyi-kun and Presidential Secretary-General Chen Shih-meng, the president heard reports on the development of the situation regarding U.S.-Iraq relations and the preparations made by various government agencies.
He affirmed the efforts of various agencies to safeguard national security and stabilize the economy.