By Huang Tzu-ti, Taiwan News — Thursday 23 September 2021
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Marshall Islands President David Kabua chastised the UN for excluding Taiwan in strong terms on Wednesday 22nd September as he addressed the 76th session of the UN General Assembly. In a pre-recorded message, Kabua said the coronavirus pandemic necessitates collective actions from all countries and stakeholders. Taiwan should be allowed to participate within the UN system “in an equal and dignified manner,” he stressed. “The shameful silence must end,” Kabua stated, criticising the UN for barring Taiwanese people from attending UN-related events and even tours of the global body’s headquarters because of their “nationality.”
Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei Falla also voiced support for Taiwan, noting that “Taiwan can provide experience, capacity, and know-how for the strengthening of multilateralism.” The President of Palau had spoken up for Taiwan the previous day, and Nauru was slated to speak in Taiwan’s support on Thursday’s agenda — three of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies having spoken up since the commencement of the General Assembly debate. Honduras, despite having written to the secretary-general urging Taiwan’s inclusion in past years, did not mention Taiwan in its address for the sixth consecutive year.