The Taipei-based Global Alliance for Democracy and Peace (GADP) established two new overseas branches over the weekend, one in Argentina and one in Belize, to promote peace around the world as well as across the Taiwan Strait.
The Argentine branch of the (GADP) was inaugurated in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on Sunday.
Addressing a ceremony marking the establishment of the Argentine branch, Yao Jung-feng (饒榮豐), the first chairman of the organization, said the GADP is not an organization that wishes to challenge the Chinese communists.
"We hope GADP efforts will enable the two rival sides of the Taiwan Strait to unify eventually under the premise that Taiwan's sovereignty, dignity and security are assured," Yao said.
He added that all members of overseas Chinese communities in Argentina, regardless of their ethnic background and political affiliation, are welcome to participate in the GADP Argentine branch as members.
Meanwhile, the GADP branch in Belize was also established Saturday with the participation of more than 400 overseas Chinese, Taiwan liaison officials and members of a Taiwan agro-tech mission posted in Belize.
Addressing the ceremony marking the establishment of the GADP Belize branch, Taiwan Ambassador to Belize Tsai Erh-huang (蔡爾晃) called for concerted efforts by overseas Chinese and their friends to promote freedom, democracy and human rights.
These concepts will eventually contribute to democratization in China and peace across the Taiwan Strait, Tsai said.
The GADP, first established in Taipei by the ruling DPP in January this year, currently has 13 branches around the world, including four in North America, two in Latin America, three in Asia, two in Africa and one each in Britain and Europe.
More branches are expected to be established around the world before the end of July, according to officials from the Cabinet-level Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission in Taipei.
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