UN General Assembly
2003

living under an unjustifiable economic embargo. That economic embargo is hampering development, and people’s lives would improve were it to end. The time has come for both sides to improve confidence- building measures by going back to the negotiating table and normalizing relations. Mr. President, my country would once again ask for your attention with respect to the Republic of China on Taiwan. This is a country with a democratically elected Government which has built a strong economy and which has strong ties with many Member States. Taiwan was recently affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), but it was beyond the reach of the World Health Organization because Taiwan is not allowed to be a member — simply because Taiwan’s people do not accept the imposition of the “one China” principle. Despite its small size, Taiwan offers development aid to a large number of countries. Taiwan also contributes to international security by being a strong proponent of the fight against terrorism. I wish to call to the attention of the Assembly