中華民國外交部

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses its heartfelt gratitude and sincere respect to Taiwan's three diplomatic allies for speaking in favor of Taiwan in the UN General Debate.

On the first day of the General Debate of the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly (September 19-29, 2006) at the UN Headquarters in New York, H.E. Elías Antonio Saca González (President of the Republic of El Salvador), H.E. Nicanor Duarte Frutos (President of the Republic of Paraguay) and H.E. Teima Onorio (Vice President of the Republic of Kiribati) reiterated their firm support for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations. They also urged the United Nations to recognize the right of Taiwan's 23 million people to be represented in this world body.
President Saca of El Salvador emphasized that the United Nations and its specialized agencies should be pragmatic and open their doors for Taiwan. He stated that, “(English translation) As in a good many previous cases, there are always special questions which connect nations to their future direction and destiny. The question of the Republic of China on Taiwan is one of these questions. Even though Taiwan's history is still evolving, it is an undeniable political reality that it meets all the conditions required to be a state and should be able to develop relations with other countries on an equal footing. Yet, the existence of the 23 million people of Taiwan and their right to be represented in the international community, particularly at the United Nations, is still denied. We firmly believe that the United Nations is the most suitable forum, in light of the current political reality, to examine the Taiwan situation in a pragmatic way. In a globalized world, if we are to make concerted efforts to cooperate as an international community, we should not be excluding or marginalizing other countries, but should together be meeting the new challenges and problems that could further undermine the quality of life and development of all mankind. Thus, we reiterate the need to open up a dialogue for the representation and participation of Taiwan in the United Nations, and especially its specialized agencies that are devoted to humanitarian, economic and social issues.”
President Frutos of Paraguay stated that, “With regard to the question of representation of the 23 million inhabitants of Taiwan, Paraguay, consistent with the position it has always maintained, confirms its support in favor of their admission to the United Nations. This inclusion is consistent with the principle of universality embodied in our Charter and the norms of international law.”
Vice President Onorio of Kiribati stated that, “Montenegro's membership now brings to 192 the total membership in this organization (the United Nations). The continuing desire by many to join this organization attests to the value and continued relevance of the United Nations. I note, therefore, with much disappointment and regret that the desire of the 23 million people of Taiwan to join this organization of ours continues to be rejected. This is despite Taiwan's demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to contribute to international collaborative efforts in the pursuit of global peace and security. There has been much talk over the past years of good governance, of democratizing nations. Should we not also talk about adopting good governance in our multilateral organizations? We deplore this sad state of affairs that deliberately excludes a nation of 23 million people from participating as an equal member of the international community.”