51.   U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington wants the dispute to be handled responsibly and scientifically.

52.   Unlike the World Court in the Hague, which handles disputes between states, it would try individuals.

53.   He said the government was the proper body to handle the dispute.

54.   The Taiwan government has called for citizens to remain calm and allow the dispute to be handled through diplomatic channels.

55.   The WTO was set up in January under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade to handle trade disputes.

56.   The committee normally handles disputes over land sought for public works.