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MOFA downplays issue of President's transit through U.S.

ROC Central News Agency

2008-01-10 16:34:16

    Taipei, Jan. 10 (CNA) Taiwan does not hold "unrealistic expectations" regarding the location of President Chen Shui-bian's transit stops in the United States, should he decide to attend the inauguration ceremony of Guatemala's President-elect Alvaro Colom Jan. 14, Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) James Huang said Thursday.

    Speaking at the MOFA's press conference, Huang said that they are focused on completing this significant diplomatic mission to Guatemala and making transit through the U.S. convenient and comfortable for President Chen during a difficult time for Taiwan's diplomatic efforts.

    China has made an all-out effort to sabotage relations between Taiwan and its allies by exerting its political and economic clout. In Malawi, for instance, there have been rumors that Taiwan's African ally will soon shift diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, with China offering an astronomical amount of financial aid as an incentive.

    During his terms, Chen has embarked on several trips to Taiwan's allies in Africa, the Pacific, and Latin America to consolidate diplomatic ties. The courtesy and treatment provided by the U.S. government when he makes transit stops in the U.S. are often viewed as a barometer of relations between Taiwan and the U.S.

    Huang said the MOFA has worked out travel plans for the president, or an designated envoy, to the activity. "Even if the president decides to embark on the trip at the last minute, we have the responsibility to ensure that he arrives at the ceremony on time," he said.

    Speaking of two other allies of Taiwan -- Panama and the Republic of the Marshall Islands -- Huang said China has long targeted Panama due to its strategic location and is trying to lure it away from Taiwan, but bilateral relations between Taiwan and Panama remain stable for the moment.

    As to the Republic of the Marshall Islands, besides dispatching the MOFA's vice minister, Elizabeth Chu, to congratulate Marshall Island's President-elect Litokwa Tomeing, Huang said President Chen himself made a call to Tomeing at Wednesday noon.

    Tomeing was delighted to accept Chen's invitation to visit Taiwan after forming his cabinet, Huang disclosed, adding that the bilateral interactions are "close and cordial."

(By Rachel Chan)

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