After Typhoon devastation :

Taiwan vows reconstruction

Taiwan: Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou vowed Saturday to push ahead with reconstruction after the devastation caused by Typhoon Morakot two weeks ago plunged his government into a political storm.

“I assure you I will complete the reconstruction and resettlement during my term and I will punish negligent officials,” Ma said at a service at Hsiaolin village in Taiwan’s south, where more than 400 people were feared dead.

Ma attended two services with premier Liu Chao-shiuan, parliamentary speaker Wang Jin-pyng and other cabinet ministers, who bowed low before mourners in an apology for their government’s handling of the disaster and its aftermath.

Ma also said that he would set up a memorial park and monuments so that the souls of those killed by Typhoon Morakot can rest in peace. Outside one shrine, television footage showed scores of angry villagers surrounding Ma’s entourage and demanding his government to take responsibility for its response to the typhoon.

Taipei, Sunday, AFP