Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday he hopes Taiwan can be admitted to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) as an observer.
Chen made the remarks while meeting with David Atkinson, a member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom and chairman of the PACE's Liberal Party caucus, who is currently on a visit in Taipei.
While all Council of Europe members are European countries, Chen said Taiwan looks forward to joining the PACE -- the 46-member Council of Europe's legislative arm -- as an observer like Canada, Mexico and several other non-European states.
Noting that Taiwan has made remarkable achievements in promoting democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights, Chen said Taiwan hopes to work together with all PACE member states in spreading those universal values around the globe.
Chen said he hopes the PACE will organize a delegation to visit Taiwan to get a better understanding of Taiwan's efforts to promote democracy and human rights.
The president also thanked Atkinson for his long-term support for Taiwan's cause.