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Washington, Oct. 6 (CNA) US Rep. Chris Cox has introduced a joint House resolution stating that US agencies should not ask Beijing for approval before providing Taiwan with emergency assistance after natural disasters.

Cox has also introduced another resolution saying that the US President shall take all necessary steps to support Taiwan's membership in the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization.

When the devastating Sept. 21 earthquake that struck Taiwan was discussed on the House floor on Sept. 28, the Republican Policy Committee chairman pointed out that "Sometimes it takes an enormous tragedy such as this earthquake to bring home how futile it is for us to maintain the political differences that we do have across the globe."

"I think everyone watching on television saw that the people of Taiwan are not the dangerous splitists so often derided by the Communist government in Beijing, but men and women and children fighting for a better life, just like all of us," said Congressman Cox.

He noted that "The American Red Cross felt it necessary to check first with Beijing, and that slowed down getting aid to people when they most needed it."

Speaking to remedy this situation, Rep. Cox concluded his remarks by stating that "I think we need legislation to make sure that every non-governmental organization in America, every charity in America understands that if there ever is another medical emergency or natural disaster in Taiwan, they can get their relief there right away without having to check with Beijing first."

The California Republican also introduced House Joint Resolution 70 on Tuesday stating that the US president shall take all necessary steps to ensure that US government agencies as well as US and international non-governmental organizations providing emergency humanitarian, disaster relief or medical assistance, be notified that when an emergency necessitates the provision of such assistance to Taiwan, they may provide it as quickly as possible without first seeking the approval of the Beijing government.

Since direct and unobstructed participation in international health cooperation forums and programs is crucial to help ensure good health and access to emergency assistance for every citizen of the world, the resolution also requires that the president shall take all necessary steps on behalf of the US government to support the membership of Taiwan in the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the World Health Organization.

The resolution further requires that President Clinton shall submit a status report to Congress by Nov. 1 on the administration's efforts to accomplish these objectives. (By Nelson Chung)