Student activists were on Thursday set to end their three-week occupation of Taiwan's parliament, but they vowed to press on with their bid to stop the government ratifying a contentious trade pact with China.
The demonstrators began dismantling the huge stacks of armchairs they used to barricade themselves in when they seized the chamber on March 18, in the first such occupation of Taiwan's parliament in the island's history.
By midday the dozens of remaining protesters -- whose numbers have dwindled from the 200 who initially stormed the building -- had packed up their sleeping bags, taken down the posters they had plastered all over the chamber, and even repainted the walls.
"We're doing the final clean-up of parliament. Everything should be done by 4:00 pm," Shih Yen-ting, a spokesman for the protesters dubbing themselves the "Sunflower" movement, told AFP ahead of the departure scheduled for 1000 GMT.
"We're putting the final touches on our exit."
Outside parliament, the protesters -- who oppose a trade pact that they say will damage their economy and leave Taiwan vulnerable to political pressure from Beijing -- were seen taking down their tents and posters, and hosing down the roads.
The activists will hold a simple ceremony half-an-hour before their departure to mark an end to the sit-in, Shih said.
"We'll make it clear to our supporters that this is not the end, but the beginning of the next stage of our work," the 25-year-old added.
The sit-in comes to an end after parliament's speaker Wang Jin-pyng pledged not to preside over further debate on the trade pact until a law has been introduced to monitor such agreements with China -- a key demand of the protesters.
But they have vowed to push on with their campaign to force the ruling Kuomintang party to retract the trade deal, a demand which President Ma Ying-jeou has flatly rejected.
The protest drew large crowds of supporters, with more than 10,000 gathered outside at one point.
There were violent clashes on March 23 when baton-wielding police turned water cannon on other protesters who had stormed the nearby government headquarters.
On Thursday, Shih described the atmosphere in the chamber as "relaxed" compared to the angry storming of the parliament three weeks ago.
The pact is designed to further open up trade in services between China and Taiwan, which split 65 years ago after a civil war.
Ma, who has pursued closer ties with China since coming to power in 2008, has said failure to ratify the deal would be a grave setback to Taiwan's efforts to boost trade.
The deal is a follow-up agreement to a sweeping Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed in 2010 to reduce trade barriers between China and Taiwan.
Ma has overseen a marked thaw in relations with Beijing since he came to power pledging to strengthen trade and tourism links.
He was re-elected in January 2012 but is battling to shore up his popularity, with his approval ratings currently sitting at around only 10 to 15 percent.
China still considers Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary.
AFP
Thu Apr 10 2014
Student protest leaders shout slogans during a protest against a contentious trade agreement with China inside the parliament building in Taipei on April 7, 2014. -AFP PHOTO
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.