Taiwan: Taiwanese-American Groups Join Forces for UN Bid
Dozens of Taiwanese-American organizations have joined forces to support President Chen Shui-bian's plan to apply for UN membership under the name of
"
"The 23 million people of
The letter was signed by 56 organizations which represent, according to estimates by an adviser to the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), one of the lead associations involved, as many as 100,000 Taiwanese-Americans.
It comes just two weeks before the start of the 61st annual session of the General Assembly on Sept. 12, where two Taiwan-related resolutions have been introduced by nations friendly to
The letter said that Chen had stated in his Lunar New Year address this year that the nation should seriously consider using the name
"We congratulate you on your unambiguous and courageous goal," the letter said.
Foreign Affairs Minister James Huang said yesterday that while it would be a breakthrough to apply under the name of
Delivering a report to the Central Standing Committee of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on the latest bid for UN membership, Huang said that this year's proposal referred to the country as the "Republic of China (Taiwan)" in the first instance, and thereafter only as "Taiwan."
The proposal addresses the question of the representation and participation of the 23 million people of
A second proposal, which has been termed the "peace proposal," was also launched, asking the UN to take a more proactive role in maintaining peace and security in
Huang said that this diplomatic strategy highlighted
However, Huang said that the strategy might be interpreted as a political one and could upset the
"Therefore,
Considering the lack of consensus and the
"In terms of the overall situation, this strategy seems not to be favorable to us," Huang said.
He said that the nation had to come up with new diplomatic initiatives and utilize its advantages such as democracy, advanced technological capabilities, international aid operations and solid education system to help promote diplomatic relations with other countries.
Supporters of
On Sept. 9, Taiwanese Presbyterians will meet at the nation's
On Sept. 11 in
The resolution, titled "The Question of the Representation and Participation of the 23 million People of Taiwan in the United Nations," was sent to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Aug. 10. It was accompanied by a letter signed by 16 countries that recognize
Fourteen of
In previous years, such resolutions dealt specifically with peace in the