11.   Liao brushed aside the theory, saying the ministry would strengthen efforts to check illegal possession of fire arms and smash illegal gangs.

12.   The assailants chose to use a knife rather than fire arms to enable them to escape easily in a crowded district, the communique said.

13.   Taiwanese authorities Saturday vowed to step up an anti-crime drive after the assassination of a district government chief, ruling out the private possession of fire arms.