Taipei, April 18 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian sought help from a group of U.S. senators for Taiwan's bid to join the World Health Organization Friday.
In a banquet given by the president in the honor of the visiting group led by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Chen touted his country's efforts in containing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and its record of no deaths from the disease thus far, which is significant compared with Beijing's vain attempts to conceal the outbreaks of SARS until it had spread to other countries.
The incident underscored the need for Taiwan to take part in the WHO and its ability to play its part in the health organization, Chen said.
He called on the U.S. senators to push their government to support Taiwan's bid to join the world health body.
The president also reiterated his government's support for Washington's efforts to liberate the Iraqis. Citing as an example, Chen said his country has already donated US$4.3 million in relief materials to Iraq.