Taiwan embassies receive threats

By Caroline Gluck
BBC, Taipei

President Chen is due to be inaugurated next month

Six embassies in Taipei have been warned not to attend the inauguration of President Chen Shui-bian in threatening phone calls, police say.

Taiwanese officials have reassured foreign diplomatic staff of their safety and have stepped up security.

The inauguration of Mr Chen, who was narrowly re-elected in March, is scheduled to take place on 20 May.

But Mr Chen's legitimacy as leader has been challenged by Taiwan's opposition, which claims the election was unfair.

The six embassies in question, all Latin American, are among 26 nations that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan, rather than rival China, which regards the island as a breakaway province.

In parliament, a senior police official told lawmakers that security would be stepped up around the embassies.

Foreign ministry officials would not comment on the details of threats, but said the safety and security of foreign diplomats was a top priority.

They also confirmed that 15 heads of state would attend the inauguration.

President Chen was re-elected by fewer that 30,000 votes. The opposition parties have alleged the election was unfair and have mounted two legal challenges. A judicial re-count is due to begin in a week's time.

The opposition is also demanding an independent investigation into the shooting and wounding of the president on the eve of the election, which they say helped to swing votes behind him.

They plan a protest on the day of the inauguration but have so far not announced any details.