Javier Solana, EU top diplomat, expressed in Brussels on
Thursday his concern over Taiwanese leaders' comments on the
Chinese province's application for UN membership.
"I have noted with concern the comments made by Taiwan's
leadership on October 24 concerning Taiwan's application for UN
membership under the name of Taiwan," Solana said in a
statement.
"The EU has a substantial interest in peace and stability in
East Asia. It has a particular interest in the continued prosperity
and security of Taiwan and in the maintenance of peaceful relations
across the Taiwan Strait," he said.
The fundamental position of the EU is that the Taiwan question
must be solved peacefully through cross-Strait negotiations between
all concerned parties.
"We have concerns about the current policy of Taiwan's
authorities to pursue a referendum on the question of UN membership
in the name of Taiwan," Solana said, adding "This concern flows
from the EU's conviction that both sides of the Strait should
refrain from statements or actions which might raise tension across
the Strait and which might be perceived as a unilateral change in
the status quo."
The proposed referendum would risk making it harder for Taiwan
to enjoy the pragmatic participation in the activities of
specialized multilateral fora, "when there are clear public
interests for this and when statehood is not required." he said
"I therefore want to encourage both sides to take further
initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and
confidence-building," he concluded.
(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2007)
