Paraguayan President Santiago Pena backs Taiwan joining UN system
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Paraguayan President Santiago Pena addressing the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Sept 19, 2023.
PHOTO: REUTERS
NEW YORK – Paraguay supports Taiwan joining the United Nations system, the South American country’s President Santiago Pena said on Tuesday, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly.
Due to a 1971 UN resolution, Taiwan has been excluded from the international body, which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China to the UN.
“The government of Paraguay expresses its support for the Republic of China – Taiwan – to be an integral part of the United Nations system,” Mr Pena said.
Paraguay is the last South American country that has formal relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province to be reunified with it, by force if necessary.
When asked about Taiwan last week, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that the exclusion of anyone could harm global goals.
“Every person matters, whether it’s Taiwan or otherwise. And I think it’s really important for member states to find a solution,” she said.
However, Taiwan has conceded that it would be “very hard” for it to achieve membership. REUTERS
