President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) urged Italy yesterday to grant him and other senior Taiwanese officials visas for private visits in line with a European Parliament resolution that calls for full protection of the basic human right of freedom to travel.
Chen made the appeal while meeting with an Italian parliamentary delegation, headed by Gian Paolo Landi di Chiavenna, a member of the Italian Assembly of Deputies and chairman of a pro-Taiwan group in the assembly.
Noting that the European Parliament -- the legislative arm of the 25-member EU -- passed a resolution two years ago asking all EU member states to protect the basic human right of freedom to travel, Chen said he earnestly hopes that the Italian government can respect and substantiate this resolution by issuing visas to Taiwan's president and other high-ranking officials should they wish to visit Italy.
Chen also expressed his hope that the two countries can enhance high-level engagements, including exchanges of visits by their senior officials.
The president went on to say that he is grateful for the Italian parliament's generous support for Taiwan's bid to join major international organizations in recent years.
Thanks to the pro-Taiwan Italian parliamentary group's efforts, the Italian Assembly of Deputies' Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution in 2002 supporting Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization (WHO).
In May, the Italian Assembly of Deputies passed a resolution by an overwhelming majority supporting Taiwan's bid to become an observer of the World Health Assembly -- the WHO's governing body.
"We appreciate your full support for our national cause over the past years," Chen told his guests.
Chen further said he hopes the pro-Taiwan group can continue helping to boost substantive Taiwan-Italian relations and push the Italian government to improve treatment of Taiwanese officials stationed in Italy.
The eight-member Italian parliamentary delegation arrived in Taipei Sunday for a six-day visit.
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