While giving interviews to international media in Malawi yesterday, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) pointed out that although Taiwan's entry into the UN is a long way from being realized, it is not a "mission impossible."
He stressed that as long as Taiwanese work hard and don't give up their UN dream, there is hope for success.
"Participation in international organizations, especially the UN, is a fundamental human right. Any country or people should not be discriminated against and denied that right," Chen told reporters yesterday during his visit to Malawi.
"On a small piece of land, Taiwan has created an economic miracle and has achieved real democracy with the transition of political power in 2000. Therefore, Taiwan should not be ignored by the international community," Chen said.
Chen added that China has never ceased its military threats against Taiwan, has spared no effort to suffocate Taiwan diplomatically and wants to annex Taiwan as a local government of China. But all these actions couldn't be more against the will of the people of Taiwan.
"Non-recognition of Taiwan cannot deny the fact that Taiwan actually does exist. Taiwan's future participation in the UN will be a basic acknowledgement of the body's international obligations," the president said.
Chen is currently on a 10-day tour to four African allies. Around 5:30pm yesterday Chen gave interviews to Reuters, AFP, BBC and VOA news agencies. The president expressed his gratitude to the nation's African allies, who spoke up for Taiwan in various international organizations.
"The Republic of China very much wants to join the UN, but it has not had an appropriate channel through which to express its will. We are very grateful that our African allies stand up for Taiwan. But the help from our friends is not sufficient to achieve our goal; what's most important is our own efforts," Chen said.
Chen stressed that "success is assured as long as we work hard and hang on to our dreams."
"If we work hard enough, we will make the dream come true."
When asked why he set out to visit the nation's African allies, Chen said that Taiwan helped many countries to improve their agricultural, educational and me-dical infrastructure.
He said that some Taiwanese devoted themselves to these causes and now there are young volunteers who are doing diplomatic work in these countries as an alternative to their compulsory military service.
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