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MOFA unsure of how to help Kosovo

Taiwan will seek ways to assist Kosovo in its rebuilding efforts but is still mulling over the best way to play a role in the project, said Sun Wen-cheng (宋文城), deputy director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of European Affairs yesterday.

Asked if Taiwan would consider giving money or humanitarian assistance through non-governmental organizations (NGO) such as the International Cooperation Development Fund instead of using official channels, Sun said it was still up in the air, but added: "There are some things that NGOs cannot do."

In 1998, Taiwan tried to donate US$300 million to Kosovo but was prevented from attending the donor's conference by the international community.

Taiwan granted Kosovo official recognition on Feb. 19, two days after it declared independence from Serbia. However, Taiwan was deleted from the thank-you list posted on a Kosovar non-government Web site within a few hours because of interference from China.

Sun said that Taiwan still maintains contact with some Kosovo officials, but that not much progress had been made because the country has yet to establish a foreign ministry.

At the same press conference, Sun dispelled recent rumors that Beijing was ready to normalize relations with the Holy See ahead of the Olympic Games in August.

"The Vatican has made it clear that it will not establish official ties with China before the Olympics. Taiwan-Vatican ties remain firm and stable," he said.

Sun, however, said the Vatican and Beijing had reached a compromise over the issue of appointing Chinese bishops.

Sun also said that a number of European Parliament members and other retired officials are scheduled to arrive in Taiwan this month to observe the election. The names of the foreign observers might not be released until shortly before the poll, he said.
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