Taipei, Nov. 17 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Wednesday he sincerely hopes that Taiwan's designation in the Lions Clubs International can be changed to "Taiwan" instead the current "China Taiwan."
Chen made the remarks while meeting with Clement F. Kusiak, president of the Lions Clubs International, who is currently on a visit to Taipei.
Without the consent of Taiwan's Lions Clubs, Lions Clubs International changed Taiwan's designation in the organization from the Republic of China to "China Taiwan" two years ago.
The change was regrettable, Chen said, adding that all of the 30,000-plus members of the Taiwan Lions Clubs unanimously demanded that the designation in the organization be changed to "Taiwan."
Since the first Lions Club was established in Taiwan in 1953, Chen said, the number of Lions Clubs has grown to exceed 100, with more than 32,000 members.
Over the past 10 years, Chen said, local Lions Clubs have donated more than US$10 million to the Foundation of the Lions Clubs International. The donations have contributed much to the enhancement of people's well-being, Chen said, adding that he hopes Kusiak can help realize local Lions Clubs members' common wish of having Taiwan's present designation rectified.
The Lions Clubs International is the world's largest volunteer service organization, with 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs in 193 countries and geographical areas.