Taiwan beefs up anti-terrorists measures for World Games

Jun 24, 2009, 7:45 GMT

Taipei - Taiwan said Wednesday it will tighten security for the upcoming World Games after a news report said that foreign terrorists are trying to enter Taiwan to disrupt the event.

'We are closely monitoring the reports and will try our best to prevent them from from entering Taiwan,' Interior Minister Liao Liao-yi said at an anti-terrorist drill for the World Games in Kaohsiung, south Taiwan.

Liao made the remark after Next Magazine reported that 10 foreigners tried to enter Taiwan as media assistants or reporters to cover the 2009 World Games, held July 16-26 in Kaohsiung.

On Wednesday, the Next Magazine reported that Taiwan refused to issue visas to 10 foreigners after finding out that they were listed by Interpol as terrorists. Interpol reportedly warned Taipei that they may try to enter Taiwan again disguised as tourists or businessmen.

The World Games, held every four years, feature more than 30 sports which are not included in the Olympic Games, like martial arts, artistic roller skating, billiard and tug-of-war.

Some 4,700 athletes from 105 countries and regions are expected to attend the World Games in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu has promised that Kaohsiung will take all measures to ensure '100 per cent security' for the athletes and the smooth running of the games.