October 11, 2016
No.240
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) expresses its heartfelt appreciation to parliamentarians from Germany, France, and Belgium, as well as in the European Parliament for their support of ROC participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). The parliamentarians expressed support via news releases, statements, speeches, and social media.
Parliamentarian Klaus-Peter Willsch, Chair of the Germany - Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, issued a press release on October 6 in which he said that as the ICAO Assembly is a platform for such matters as exchanging information related to international aviation safety, navigation, and environmental protection, there is no reason to deny Taiwan’s access. Taiwan is an East Asian transportation hub, and if Taiwan cannot obtain vital aviation safety information, it will be a major oversight for international aviation safety.
MP Denis Jacquat, Vice President of the France - Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the French National Assembly, made a statement on October 6 expressing regret over the failure to invite the Republic of China (Taiwan) to take part in the 39th ICAO Assembly, affirming Taiwan’s contributions to international aviation safety, and showing willingness to continue supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
At the ROC National Day reception in Luxembourg on October 7, Dr. Viviane Reding, Honorary Chairperson of the European Parliament-Taiwan Friendship Group, said that it was disappointing that Taiwan was unable to participate in the ICAO Assembly. That Taiwan was denied participation was not in the interest of any party, from the perspectives of politics, security, or professionalism. Furthermore, she said, at a time when greater cooperation is needed to fight terrorism, Taiwan ought to be allowed to take part in INTERPOL as an observer.
MEP Hans van Baalen, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, expressed regret over Taiwan’s not receiving an invitation to take part in the 39th ICAO Assembly on his party’s website and his own webpage on October 7. He said that the failure to include Taiwan was a violation of the spirit of cooperation fostered by the United Nations and a false refutation of the need to include Taiwan in international efforts to ensure aviation safety.
Georges Dallemagne, Co-chair of the Belgium Parliament’s Belgium - Taiwan Friendship Group, stated on Facebook on October 6 that international safety will suffer for having failed to allow Taiwan to attend the ICAO Assembly as an observer. (E)