Taipei, Oct. 14 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian expressed condolences Monday to the Indonesian government and relatives of the victims of the blast in the tourist resort of Bali, Indonesia.
The bomb attacks Saturday night in Bali's popular Kuta Beach area killed at least 183 people and injured hundreds of others, nearly all of them foreigners.
President Chen has asked all related government agencies to observe closely the developments in Indonesia and reminded ROC citizens to keep alert on their overseas trips.
The president also promised that Taiwan would send its relief and medical teams to Indonesia in a short time if the Indonesian government solicits help.
President Chen reaffirmed Taiwan's consistent anti-terrorist position, calling for a serious condemnation against whatever terrorist organization was responsible for this incident.
He stressed that any terrorist attack will not help in resolving problems; on the contrary, it accelerates unnecessary confrontations and damages world peace. "Only anti-terrorist action can prevent people from living in fear, and only this action can assure the development of liberty and democracy," Chen added.
Chen also made it clear that the government has set up an interministerial anti-terrorist mechanism to contribute to the world anti-terrorist action and international rescue and relief works.
Within the country, the president added, relevant government agencies, military and intelligence units have been tightening their surveillance on suspected individuals or organizations for possible terrorist attacks or cross-border crimes.
Chen assured the public that the government has never relaxed its anti-terrorist measures, urging the citizens to continue their support of the government's actions against terrorism.