Following Tuesday's heated confrontation between supporters and opponents of the Cross-Strait Agreement on Trade in Services near the Legislative Yuan building, Executive Yuan Spokesperson Sun Lih-chyuan stated that people have the right to express their views freely, but they should do so lawfully and maintain a peaceful and rational demeanor befitting of a democracy.
The government will tolerate neither the illegal occupation of the Legislative Yuan by student protestors nor the willful provocation of public disorder by gangster elements. The Executive Yuan's position remains as it has always been—to defend lawful citizens and combat unlawful behavior. It will not permit any group to challenge public authority, the spokesman reiterated.
Opponents of the services pact have occupied the legislative chamber for over two weeks, Sun continued. Out of respect for legislative autonomy, the Executive Yuan has instructed police forces inside the Legislative Yuan compound to follow the Legislature's decisions. As for security outside the compound, the National Police Agency has been ordered to block services pact supporters or gangsters from entering the Legislative Yuan or interfering with the situation. Any verbal or physical actions that incite social conflict will not be condoned.