I just read this news from the Observer. I am not sure I understand what is
going on here. Is Chen the Taiwanese president or Chinese President? I hope
Jammeh and his Foreign office clarifies what is going on. If he addressed
Chen as the Chinese President as both the Observer and the National TV and
Radio are reporting, there is a lot the Gambian leader needs to learn.. More
over China is a permanent member of the UN and well recognized. I have no
doubt that China will not be seeking for any more
recognition...................................................................
...............................................

Jammeh, Chen Shui-Bian Implore UN

The President, Yahya Jammeh and his counterpart Chen Shui-Bian, president of
the Republic of China have called on the United Nations to consider ending
the Republic of China's international isolation by including her in the work
and activities of the world body and its specialised agencies.

Speaking at a banquet he hosted in honour of President Chen Shui-Bian at the
Kairaba Beach Hotel, Sunday evening, President Jammeh said the exclusion of
the Republic of China from the United Nations denies over 23 million people
of their right to international representation, contrary to the UN general
assembly's established principle of universality.

President Jammeh contended that the situation equally ignores the moral and
legal rights of the people of the Republic of China to participate in UN
affairs and argued for the reviewing of the general assembly's resolution in
that regard adopted in 1971 because of present fundamental changes in the
international situation.

He went on to state that "The Gambia believes that the Republic of China
deserves just and fair treatment by our world body and this is not based on
cheque- book diplomacy but on genuine concern and honest interest in ensuring
that justice be done towards a small peace-loving state that abides by the
terms and spirit of the United Nations charter and the United Nations
treaties and conventions."

President Jammeh further implied that the development of a strong national
economy and international trading ties by the Republic of China and as a
founding member of the UN charter indicates the republic's qualifications to
re-join the UN which he described as "not only desirable, but essential." He
also dilated on The Gambia's efforts dedicated to the maintainance of peace
and stability in trouble spots in the sub-region and the entire world.

President Jammeh said The Gambia's commitment to the moves of peace and
security is dictated by the rationale of saving life and creating the
enabling atmosphere for the propagation of sustainable peace, tranquility and
development. Focusing on the five-year old re-established relations between
The Gambia and the Republic of China, President Jammeh said "Today, we regard
the Republic of China as our main partner in development."

He acknowledged the support rendered to the government's development
programme by the Republic of China with specific references to education,
agriculture, health and infrastructure, and admitted that the Republic of
China's overall economic performance serves as an example for The Gambia to
follow in its economic recovery and national development programme. Speaking
soon after, President Chen Shui-Bian said the hospitality and courtesy
extended to him by Gambians speak about the cordial bonds that exist between
his government and that of The Gambia.

He described his 'love' for The Gambia as a long standing one and also
referred to President Jammeh as a foresighted leader who is committed to
developing his country. "I rise to pay respect to your excellency's
determination and efforts geared towards development and the maintenance of
peace," he said President Chen Shui-Bian also commended The Gambia's
development efforts saying "I was specially impressed in the first place by
your magnificent airport terminal which I believe is not one of the best in
West Africa alone, but the entire continent".

As a mark of appreciation for his visit, President Jammeh decorated President
Chen Shui Bian with the insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of The
Gambia. President Jammeh also declared that effective Sunday, August 20,
citizens of the Republic of China who intend to visit The Gambia for three
months (90 days) need not obtain entry visas. The two presidents also
commended the Republic of China's ambassador, Chen hsiung Lee and his embassy
staff for their roles in fostering bilateral co-operation between their two
countries.

The two leaders yesterday afternoon signed a joint communique that touches on
extensive areas of cooperation as well as their governments' common desire
for the adoption of dialogue and mediation as an approach to the settlement
of conflicts. At a press briefing that followed the signing ceremony, the two
Presidents re-echoed their resolve to continue lobbying for the reinstatement
of the Republic of China to the United Nations.

President Chen Shui-Bian regarded the attitude of the United Nations towards
his country as "unfair and uncalled for" and said his country will continue
to advocate for democracy, human rights and freedom. Commenting on the
blockade consistently put up by Mainland China against the Republic of
China's re-integration into the community of nations, President Chen
Shui-Bian said "as far as regaining our much deserved international
recognition is concerned, the sky is the limit."

He said if his country's plight is noted, it would become a productive member
of the international community. President Chen Shui-Bian and his delegation
took off at 2pm for Burkina Faso. President Jammeh has accepted an invitation
to visit the Republic of China by his guest.




Ebrima Barry's Father Testifies

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