If this is clear, then these visits do not mean anything on the statehood question. They are just used to give visibility to the problem ... But if the visits are really used to have contact, then discretion and a low-profile [manner] are paramount.
TT: Last year, Spain and France voiced their opposition to Taiwan's WHO bid. Do you think the Europeans' stance is going to change this year?
Galluccio: I'd like to respond to this question in my personal capacity.
Last year, Taiwan for the first time asked to be a `health entity' in its WHO bid, which is an improvement. In my country and other European countries, our preference would be that Taiwan show that its WHO bid is not instrumental for the sovereignty issue, but is to fulfill one of the goals of the WHO, which is to ensure all people of the world the highest level of health.
SARS demonstrates that even ... the US CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] came to Taiwan's to help. The position I believe is more favored is for Taiwan to participate as an NGO ... If we give the green light saying that we do not oppose, and if something like this is done and is sold in Beijing, we might be supportive.
But this is my personal opinion. If the real goal is there, a solution should be found. In this case it's correct to say that it's scandalous and it's a shame that Taiwan can't contribute to the health community and still Taiwan may be vulnerable and may benefit from this global health networking. So why not give Taiwan a chance?
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