Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian predicted Sunday that Taiwan will be able to join the World Health Organization (WHO) as an observer or even a full member in 12 years so long as it never forsakes its goal and efforts.
Addressing a ceremony to mark Doctors Day, Chen cited the treatment he received during his three layovers on U.S. soil since assuming office as an example to exhort local doctors not to feel frustrated at Taiwan's failure to gain WHO observer status or membership.
Chen said the United States, which does not recognize Taiwan diplomatically, used to prohibit ROC presidents making transit stops on its territory from engaging in high-profile public activities.
On his latest transit stops in New York and Alaska earlier this month, however, the Bush administration largely eased restrictions on Chen's activities. During his New York layover, Chen received the 2003 Human Rights Award presented by the prestigious International League for Human Rights and delivered a 30-minute speech at the award presentation. He also cruised the Hudson and East rivers. "And Taiwan's pursuit of World Trade Organization (WTO) membership also provides a good example of my conviction that with faith and perseverance, we can make it, " Chen said. Taiwan was admitted to the WTO in 2002 after 12 years of effort.
During a community reach-out visit in the northern Taiwan city of Hsinchu earlier in the day, Chen urged local people to have confidence in Taiwan, confidence in democracy and confidence in reforms.
Over the decades, Chen said, Taiwan has created both economic and political miracles.
He said that although some opposition politicians have deliberately painted a bleak picture for Taiwan for presidential election campaign purposes, the majority of local people will not be swayed by such false allegations.
While attending Panama's centennial celebrations Nov. 3, Chen said both the Bolivian and Colombian presidents took the initiative to talk with him. "Both of them expressed their admiration for our country's success in economic development and political democratization in the face of mainland China's constant military threat, " Chen said. Both Bolivia and Colombia have diplomatic relations with mainland China rather than Taiwan.
Despite Beijing's diplomatic embargo against Taiwan, Chen said, Taiwan is by no means an international outcast. "We are not an isolated island but rather an island with great development potential and an international perspective. So long as we insist on our pursuit, we'll realize our ultimate national goal one day," Chen said confidently.