The Associated Press carried an article today reflecting a shift in position regarding the pursuing membership in the United Nations. It's not clear whether or not the announcement is related to the outcome of the two referenda in March 2008 asking if Taiwan or the ROC should join the UN, or an honest effort to shift focus onto representation in UN agencies. It may be the case that if a referendum fails, either in the vote count or by failing to have enough people vote, then issue itself can't be pursued for three years. Portions of the article are below:
A senior Taiwanese diplomat says Taiwan is not bidding for United Nations membership this year for the first time since 1992, but is seeking representation in U.N. agencies instead.
The Friday statement by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrew Hsia comes as President Ma Ying-jeou pursues a less confrontational relationship with China than his predecessor.
Hsia says this year's U.N. proposal is ''milder and more feasible'' than the previous administration's efforts, and urges China to accept it.
China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949. Beijing continues to claim the island as part of its territory, and opposes anything that gives Taiwan the trappings of sovereignty, including membership in international organizations.
1 comment:
Should just be temporary. They'll be back.
Post a Comment