The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said yesterday it will step up the promotion of democratic diplomacy in order to consolidate Taiwan's democratic system and safeguard its freedom, stability, peace and human rights.
Ministry spokeswoman Katharine Chang (張小月) made the remarks after President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) said Sunday at the end of a high-level policy meeting on anti-terrorism and democracy that the government will set up a Taiwan Democracy Foundation, push for the establishment of an Asia-Pacific Democracy Alliance and build Taiwan into an Asia-Pacific hub of international non-government organizations (NGOs).
Chang said the ministry has appropriated funds for the establishment of the Taiwan Democracy Foundation in its budget plan for next year which has been referred to the Legislative Yuan for approval.
"Once the budget plan clears the legislative floor, the foundation can be inaugurated to promote democracy and human rights diplomacy through concerted efforts of major domestic political parties," Chang said.
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