Taipei, May 23 (CNA) Vice President Annette Lu on Tuesday urged all nations to help the Republic of China (ROC) join various international organizations to become a contributing member of the world community.
Lu made her appeal while receiving dignitaries from Israel, Liberia, Panama, and the United Kingdom. The officials came to Taiwan to attend the May 20 presidential inauguration.
Lu called their attention to the "disappointing" situation in which high-level ROC government officials face difficulties and limitations when visiting countries with which the ROC lacks diplomatic ties. She attributed the problem to mainland China's constant pressure.
Lu said that Taiwan is not a part of the People's Republic of China, and that the Republic of China is a sovereign nation that practices democracy and protects human rights. "We certainly are not trouble makers, but peace makers who deserve more respect and fair treatment," Lu said.
She added that the Republic of China can make a contribution to the world. It should be accepted into the world community and allowed into various international organizations, she said.
Lu thanked the countries that have spoken out in the Republic of China's favor in the United Nations, urging them to continue to do so. The Republic of China was a founding member of the United Nations and has continued to seek re-admittance after mainland China took over the ROC seat in 1971.
Lu said that the relationship between the Republic of China and its allied nations is not built merely on the foundation of trade and "righteousness," but also a set of common beliefs and ideals. The Republic of China will continue to strengthen its cooperative efforts with friendly nations, provide any related assistance, and share its development experiences, she said.
Lu said that she will personally receive Panama President Mireya Moscoso de Gruber, who is expected to visit Taiwan in the near future. Lu praised Moscoso for being "an outstanding woman who sets a good model" for other women.
Foreign dignitaries present included Vice President Enoch M. Dogolea of Liberia, Vice President Dominador Kaiser Bazan of Panama, and legislator Anat Maor of Israel. They were accompanied by ROC Vice Foreign Ministers Lin Ki-tseng and Wu Tzu-dan, and Deputy Secretary-general to the President Chen Che-nan.