Several think tanks and civic groups yesterday declared this Tuesday -- the anniversary of the UN's foundation -- as "Taiwan UN Day" to highlight their desire that the country participate in the organization under the name "Taiwan."
Chen Lung-chu (
Chen said that with Taiwan's participation, the UN could become a "truly international organization" and represent "the whole of mankind," adding that Taiwan and China can maintain normal relations under the UN framework.
Applying for UN membership using the name "Taiwan" is the best way to assert the country's sovereignty, said Lee Hung-hsi (李鴻禧), president of Ketagalan Academy, a private think tank founded by President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in 2003.
Chen Lung-chu also said Taiwan must create a "Taiwanese Constitution" to build the "national consensus and unity," necessary for Taiwan to enjoy the status of of country.
Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, who was one of the guest speakers at the rally, said it is a "hard fact" that Taiwan and China are two different countries.
"The issue of national identity is an extremely serious matter we have to work on and resolve in the future," Yu said.
Yu told the attendees that although Taiwan is an independent country, it will not be a "normal country" until it corrects the country's name, delivers a new constitution, develops its competitiveness, joins the UN and has the ability to defend itself.
Swazi Ambassador Njabuliso Gwebu, who was present at the rally, said that given Taiwan's contributions to the world's economy, health and politics, "Taiwan needs to be allowed to play her role and make contributions to the people of the world."
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