UN seat appeal
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 9th September 2007
TAIWAN is seeking the support of Bahrain in its bid to win a seat at the UN. Officials here claim Taiwan’s official application to join the UN was never considered because secretary-general Ban Ki-moon refused to forward it to the Security Council and General Assembly.
They say the island is willing and able to make a significant contribution towards global issues and its inclusion would help avoid creating a weak link in the organisation’s worldwide network.
Taiwan trade mission representative Chin-Hsiung said some countries, including the Solomon Islands, Swaziland and the Republic of Naru, have already come out in support of the move.
UN seat appeal
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 9th September 2007
TAIWAN is seeking the support of Bahrain in its bid to win a seat at the UN. Officials here claim Taiwan’s official application to join the UN was never considered because secretary-general Ban Ki-moon refused to forward it to the Security Council and General Assembly.
They say the island is willing and able to make a significant contribution towards global issues and its inclusion would help avoid creating a weak link in the organisation’s worldwide network.
Taiwan trade mission representative Chin-Hsiung said some countries, including the Solomon Islands, Swaziland and the Republic of Naru, have already come out in support of the move.
A request has now been submitted for the issue to be addressed during the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly by countries that support Taiwan’s application.
“Taiwan’s move to apply for UN membership this year is a very important first step and we sincerely hope that all friendly countries will show their support by respecting and understanding that Taiwan’s application reflects the common will and determination of its 23 million people,” he said.
Taiwan is officially part of China, but operates as a self-governing democracy.
“Taiwan is able and willing to fulfil the obligations expected of UN members and thus make greater contributions to world peace, justice and prosperity,” said Mr Lin.
“Hence, Taiwan needs all the support from friendly countries to ensure that the basic rights of its people are fulfilled.
“Countries which are not able to openly support Taiwan could take a neutral stance by encouraging peaceful dialogue or at least indirectly assist Taiwan’s cause by remaining silent.”
In May, Taiwan said it was also seeking Bahrain’s help in building up support for its application to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Officials have been trying to raise awareness about its omission from the body, which it has been trying to join for 10 years.
They claim its exclusion from WHO activities is a political decision that stems from China’s reluctance for it to be part of the organisation.
Taiwan’s trade mission has been operating in Bahrain for more than 20 years, after being set up to promote economic relations and tourism between the two.
However, Chinese Embassy commerce first secretary Wang Shuaangxin told the GDN that Taiwan was a part of China and would never be separated.
He refused to comment any further.
Chinese officials previously said Taiwan did not need a seat on the WHO because it was a part of China, which is already a member. geoff@gdn.com.bh
© Gulf Daily News
