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Government hails Europe for its support of Taiwan

The European Parliament yesterday passed a resolution that states that visits to Europe by Taiwan's high-level government officials will not be strictly limited to those traveling in a private capacity.

Yesterday's resolution also called for closer cooperation with Asian nations.

The resolution is mainly aimed at boosting the EU's cooperation with Asian countries in the areas of regional security, economic development, cultural development and human rights protection.

The resolution urges North and South Korea as well Taiwan and China to conduct peaceful political dialogue to mend their differences and maintain regional peace and stability.

Commenting on the resolutions regarding Taiwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eugene Chien (簡又新) yesterday expressed his gratitude by issuing a statement.

Chien said the resolution contains nine articles that are friendly to Taiwan, including a call on China to remove all missiles along the coast across from Taiwan. The article was passed by an overwhelming 448 votes for and 26 votes against it.

Another article calling for the resumption of cross-strait dialogue was passed by 242 votes for and 226 against it, which shows the majority of the EU lawmakers are friendly with Taiwan, Chien said.

Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization also won support from the European Parliament, with 360 votes for and 109 votes against.

Meanwhile, a resolution proposed by pro-China members of the European Parliament suggesting that visits to Europe by Taiwan's high-level government officials be strictly limited to private capacities was struck down by 285 votes for and 182 against.

The Parliament also urges the EU Commission to take over talks on the matter of signing a Free Trade Agreement with Taiwan.

In addition, the European Council of Ministers is demanded by the resolution to push for a cross-strait dialogue by inviting Taiwan to the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).
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