Quotable

"The student group has been occupying parliament's main chamber in a manner violating the law, paralyzing the legislature's operation for five days. ... I must say that (the pact) is completely for the sake of Taiwan's economic future."

Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said at a news conference on Sunday, commenting on an incident in which about 200 protesters, mostly young students, broke through security barriers and took over parliament's main chamber on Tuesday night to protest Taiwan's trade agreement with the mainland.