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Ministry to congratulate Kosovo on independence

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was closely watching Kosovo's expected declaration of independence yesterday. The ministry has drafted a statement to congratulate Kosovo on independence and to reiterate Taipei's support for the UN's principle of respecting a sovereign state's right to self determination.

Ministry spokeswoman Phoebe Yeh (葉非比) declined to comment on the nation's efforts to forge ties with Kosovo, except to say the Republic of China government sought to form closer ties with any countries that uphold the universal values of democracy, freedom and peace.

Yeh said the right to self determination is recognized by the UN as an inalienable right of all people. As a sovereign nation, Taiwan applauds and respects any country that achieves independence in a democratic and peaceful manner.

Pro-Taiwan independence advocates see Kosovo's move toward independence as proof that their own struggle for an independent nation will eventually succeed.

"It is the Kosovar people's basic right to decide their future. The UN should support Kosovo and accept it as a member. If the UN refuses to accept Kosovo because of opposition from Russia, then it violates its founding principle -- the right of equal participation and self determination," said Reverend William Lo (羅榮光), secretary-general of the Taiwan UN Alliance.

He said the UN should not exclude any sovereign nation, including Taiwan, as a matter of justice.

But Taipei's attempt to re-enter the global body as Taiwan is seen by Beijing as an attempt to change the "status quo" between the two sides and the US worries it could spark a cross-strait conflict.

"The UN referendums are Taiwan's first step toward independence. Taiwanese must let the world hear their voice through the referendum," Luo said.

Lin Chong-pin (林中斌), a former vice minister of national defense and now a China expert at Tamkang University, said Kosovo's example is only partially applicable to Taiwan as the two countries' situations are substantially different.

Additional reporting by Jenny W. Hsu
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