3 more diplomatic allies speak for Taiwan's U.N. inclusion at 78th assembly

New York, Sept. 23 (CNA) Three more diplomatic allies of the Republic of China (ROC), the official name of Taiwan, have spoken up to advocate for the country's inclusion in the United Nations system, during Saturday's General Debate at the 78th General Assembly in New York.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Terrance Drew, together with Foreign Minister of Belize Eamon Courtenay all made a similar appeal in their respective addresses on Saturday.

This means that 11 of the Republic of China's 13 diplomatic allies have voiced their support for allowing Taiwan to participate in the U.N. system during this year's General Assembly.

In his Saturday address, Gonsalves said it is "long overdue" for the Republic of China (Taiwan) to be brought in "from the diplomatic cold," referring to the ROC's exclusion from the U.N. system since 1971, when the People's Republic of China (PRC) took its seat as the "only lawful representative of China."

Gonsalves said Taiwan's quest for participation in relevant U.N. specialized agencies "is reasonable, and ought to be accommodated."

"Repeatedly, Taiwan has shown itself to be a responsible member of the international community," he said.

He added: "Peace across the Taiwan Strait is an imperative for the prosperity and the security of the world."

Drew mentioned in his speech that Taiwan has "proven itself to be a reliable development partner, which greatly contributes to collective efforts to address the pressing global issues of today."

"It is our firm belief that Taiwan should be able to make its contribution to the work and budget of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations and the World Health Assembly, in furtherance of the common global goals, and it is a hope that the right of its 23 million people to adequate representation can be realized," the St. Kitts and Nevis leader said.

Drew also called for peace in the Taiwan Strait "as war would result in severe consequences for all of us."

Belizean Foreign Minister Courtenay said the continued exclusion of Taiwan from the international community is "inconsistent with the realities of today's world."

"Taiwan is a vibrant, democratic country with the willingness and capacity to contribute to addressing global challenges. Belize calls for Taiwan's full inclusion in the international system," he added.

Meanwhile, the Holy See is scheduled to speak on Monday. Being Taiwan's only ally in Europe, it is not a member of the U.N., but an observer, and rarely speaks on political issues during U.N. meetings.

Ariel Henry, prime minister of Taiwan's Caribbean ally Haiti, focused on the continuing unrest in his country in his address to the world governing body Friday and did not touch on Taiwan this year.

He appealed for international support to combat rampant gang violence -- one element of the multi-dimensional crisis currently affecting the Caribbean nation.

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