Nicaraguan Ambassador to the UN Eduardo Sevilla Somoza said on Monday that his country and many of Taiwan's allies will continue to push Taiwan's UN bid so that the voice of its 23 million people can be heard internationally.
Sevilla made the remarks when he attended the opening ceremony of the third world conference of the Global Alliance for Democracy and Peace, a group formed to pool the strength of overseas Chinese to uphold the ideals of democracy and peace.
He said Taiwan's allies in the UN will again speak up for its bid to join the organization at the UN General Assembly set to open today, adding that he feels very proud to be able to speak up for the 23 million people of Taiwan.
He pointed out that because Taiwan has been shut out of the UN, the world body does not truly represent all people, adding that Nicaragua and Taiwan's many allies will continue to work hard so that Taiwan can realize its goal of joining the organization.
Noting that his father served as the first ambassador to the Republic of China some 50 years ago, Sevilla said that the two countries have held firm in their anti-communist stance.
With the changing times, both countries have also faced the new challenges of anti-terrorism and globalization, he added.
Sevilla said that Taiwan's economic might has made it a regional leader.
He also lauded Taiwan as a model of peace and democracy, adding that such a model deserves to be protected and supported.
"Taiwan can trust Nicaragua's friendship," he said.
He also expressed appreciation for Taiwan's longstanding support and assistance to Nicaragua, saying that Taipei's investment and trade have contributed a great deal to his nation's development.
This week's UN General Assembly will mark the 12th consecutive year that Taiwan has tried to join the UN.
It is expected to once again face obstruction of its bid by China, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
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