Sep 10, 2007

Taiwan: Summit Results in Support for UN Bid


After a productive gathering in Taipei, Taiwan’s African allies announce their support for the island’s effort to join the United Nations.

After a productive gathering in Taipei, Taiwan’s African allies announce their support for the island’s effort to join the United Nations.

Below is an article published by AFP:

Taiwan's African allies on Sunday [09 September 2007] gave their backing to the island's bid to secure a seat in the United Nations.

Leaders from Taiwan's five diplomatic allies in Africa -- Swaziland, Burkina Faso, Sao Tome and Principe, Malawi and Gambia -- issued a declaration of support for the controversial move at the end of a one-day summit.

"As a sovereign country, Taiwan should not be deprived of its right to participate in the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and other international organisations," the declaration said.

"Taiwan's African allies support Taiwan's legitimate right to join the United Nations and its specialised agencies such as the World Health Organisation."

Taiwan's independence-leaning President Chen Shui-bian last week renewed his pledge to press ahead with a referendum on joining the UN, despite fresh warnings from Beijing and Washington.

The island, under its official name the Republic of China, lost its UN seat to China in 1971.

Its efforts to rejoin using its official title have been repeatedly blocked by Beijing, which regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification.

Africa is one of the main diplomatic battlegrounds for Taiwan and China, which have accused each other of luring allies away with "chequebook diplomacy."

Last year Taipei suffered its latest setback in Africa when Chad switched recognition to Beijing, leaving the island with only five allies in the region. Internationally, only 24 countries now recognise Taipei instead of Beijing.

The UN General Assembly will discuss Taiwan's membership application later this month [September].