Taiwanese authorities have stepped up security for foreign embassies here after diplomatic staff were threatened against attending President Chen Shui-bian’s inauguration, officials said. The National Police Agency (NPA) confirmed that the embassies of Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador had received threats in phone calls. Taiwan’s foreign ministry said presidents from 11 countries have planned to attend Chen’s inauguration on May 20. Twenty-six countries recognize Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory waiting to be reunified by force if necessary. The NPA said they had ordered beefed-up security around the embassies following the threats. Full Story