Premier Mao Chi-kuo has strongly condemned a recent series of terrorist attacks in France and expressed his condolences for the more than 100 people who were killed in the assaults, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyun said today.
The premier has also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) to keep abreast of the safety of ROC nationals in France, including students and tourists, Sun added.
According to Sun, Premier Mao asked the MOTC to track down and offer assistance to Taiwanese tour groups currently staying in France, with Taiwan's representative office there helping as needed. As for tours about to head to France, the premier urged the relevant travel agencies and tour guides to prioritize the safety of the tourists. The MOTC is also tasked with safeguarding customers' rights in line with related regulations.
Spokesperson Sun said the Executive Yuan has commanded the MOFA to continue to follow up on ROC nationals' whereabouts in France. The MOFA currently maintains a "gray" travel alert, the lowest level of warning, for France; it will keep an eye on the latest developments and adjust the alert level accordingly. In addition, the Executive Yuan demanded related ministries to implement tougher identity and security checks at the country's borders and stay on high alert for potential threats.