Premier Jiang Yi-huah directed at today's Cabinet meeting that the National Police Agency and its regional police precincts meticulously carry out all relevant preparatory work for the five demonstrations for a nuclear-free homeland this coming Saturday to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide security.
"Congregations and demonstrations are a basic constitutional right of the people," the premier noted, instructing the Ministry of the Interior to oversee the work of the police forces for the March 9 events to safeguard citizens' rights and interests.
Premier Jiang pointed out that nuclear energy is an integral part of the nation's energy policy, which aims to secure a steady and stable supply of electricity from multiple resources. It has attracted greater attention and more heated discussions than other resources, however, especially since the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which heightened concerns and doubts over the safety of nuclear power.
Facing such doubts, Premier Jiang directed related agencies to exercise empathy, elaborate and clarify safety issues with concerned citizens and provide accurate information to dispel popular anxiety.
Premier Jiang announced on February 25 that he will accept the result of the coming referendum. Before the vote, the government is obligated to provide the public with fully open, objective and accurate information so the people can make the best choice, and that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) shall spearhead this effort, he said.
In addition, Jiang asked the MOEA, the Atomic Energy Council and the Office of Information Services of the Executive Yuan to jointly set up an office to answer all the requests and issues presented at the upcoming rallies and explain the government's efforts and measures so that all citizens have a firm grasp of the situation.
Regarding reported complaints by some anti-nuclear power groups that their rallies and related activities were being monitored by certain government agencies, the premier asked the MOI and the Ministry of Justice to take these accusations seriously. "The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a free and democratic country, and there should not be government interference in public rallies and related activities," the premier stressed.
The premier said pro- and anti-nuclear advocacy are entirely legal, and law enforcement must not place phone calls expressing concern or discourage people from holding them. "That would not be the behavior of a democratic government," he said. Nevertheless, the premier expressed confidence that allegations of this kind are unfounded.