President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) has expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to US President George W. Bush for the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen (
"We believe the re-construction will be completed soon under the lead of the US President Bush and we hope the residents can return to normal as soon as possible," he said.
According to the ministry, no casualties involving Taiwanese expatriates have so far been reported, although some expatriates' homes have been destroyed. The ministry has mobilized Taiwanese associations and non-government charities such as the Buddhist Compassionate Relief Tzu Chi Foundation's US branches, to offer emergency aid to affected Taiwanese expatriates, ministry spokesman Michel Lu (呂慶龍) said.
Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific nations -- including tsunami-battered Sri Lanka -- promised yesterday to send money and disaster relief experts to the US to help deal with the aftermath of Katrina.
"There should not be an assumption that because America is the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world, this isn't a major challenge and a major crisis," Australian Prime Minister John Howard told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio.
Australia topped the list of those in the region who pledged aid, with a promise of A$10 million (US$7.6 million) to the American Red Cross. Japan and Singapore were also quick to promise help.
Venezuela offered humanitarian aid and fuel. Venezuela's Citgo Petroleum Corp pledged a US$1 million donation for hurricane aid.
Israel has offered hundreds of doctors, trauma experts and other medical staff as well as field hospitals and other relief. Other offers came from Russia, Canada, France and many other countries.
Taiwan last night blanked world No. 1 Japan 4-0 to win the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time. Taiwanese ace Lin Yu-min (林昱珉) held defending champions Japan to just one hit and no runs in the first four innings, before catcher Lin Chia-cheng (林家正) opened the fifth inning with a solo home run. That was soon followed by a three-run homer from Taiwanese captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) to put Taiwan ahead in the prestigious tournament of the world’s top 12 baseball teams. In addition to a superb performance from 21-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Lin, three more Taiwanese pitchers
SUPPORT: Arms sales to NATO Plus countries such as Japan, South Korea and Israel only have to be approved by the US Congress if they exceed US$25m The US should amend a law to add Taiwan to the list of “NATO Plus” allies and streamline future arms sales, a US commission said on Tuesday in its annual report to the US Congress. The recommendation was made in the annual report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which contained chapters on US-China economic and trade ties, security relations, and Taiwan and Hong Kong. In the chapter on Taiwan, the commission urged the US Congress to “amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to include Taiwan on the list of ‘NATO Plus’ recipients,” referring to
Taiwan yesterday advanced to the gold medal match of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time in history, despite last night losing 9-6 to Japan. Taiwan advanced after the US defeated Venezuela in the first game on the last day of the Super Round. However, the US had no chance of advancing to the championship game unless it defeated Venezuela by at least nine points. The US won 6-5. As a result, the two teams — who both had one win and two losses in the Super Round — are to face off again in the
Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) said she would tender her resignation following criticism of her handling of alleged bullying by Ministry of Labor Workforce Development Agency branch director Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容) resulting in the death of an employee. The ministry yesterday gave Hsieh two demerits and said she is subject to review by the Disciplinary Court. The severest possible punishment would be her removal from office and being barred from government jobs indefinitely. Workforce Development Agency Director-General Tsai Meng-liang (蔡孟良) also received a major demerit and was transferred to another position. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) issued a formal apology
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