China urged not to block Taiwan internationally
ROC Central News Agency
2016/11/05 18:05:09
Taipei, Nov. 5 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Saturday urged China stop obstructing Taiwan's efforts to take part in international activities, after the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) rejected Taipei's request to attend its upcoming general assembly, apparently due to a objection from Beijing.
Taiwan and China should treat each other in a friendly way in the international community and seek to resolve differences of opinion through bilateral dialogue in the interests and well-being of their people, the council said.
The MAC stressed that Taiwan has the right to participate in the international community with dignity, arguing that excluding the nation from Interpol goes against the interest of the Taiwanese people and that of the wider international community.
A survey conducted by the MAC in October revealed that 80 percent of local residents believe Taiwan's bids to take part in international organizations should not be subject to political interference, the council said, urging Beijing and the international community not to ignore public opinion in Taiwan.
Taiwan was forced to withdraw from Interpol in 1984 when China joined the organization.
For the first time in 32 years, the government in October applied to participate as an observer at Interpol's 85th general assembly to be held from Nov. 7-11 in Bali, Indonesia.
However, that application was rejected, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said earlier on Saturday.
Asked if Beijing was behind Interpol's decision, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lee (李大維) said "that is a very obvious factor."
(By Tang Pei-chun and Y.F. Low)
ENDITEM/AW
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