TAIPEI, Taiwan
May 16 (AP)
In a new book that could enrage China, Taiwan�s president urges Beijing to give up its nationalistic concept of a �Great China� and instead divide the country into several autonomous regions.
President Lee Teng-hui was to unveil the book, called �Taiwan�s Viewpoint,� on Wednesday. It describes his political viewpoints and experience dating back to before he became president of Taiwan in 1988.
In excerpts published by the United Daily News on Saturday, Lee appears to take a tough stand against Beijing, which claims sovereignty over the island.
�Taiwan�s democracy and its economic achievement were the sole efforts of Taiwanese,� Lee writes. �The Chinese Communists have made no contributions, and, of course, have no right to make any claims on Taiwan.�
Lee, the island�s first Taiwanese-born president, says Taiwan and China have come a long way from the civil war in the 1940s in which the Communists and Nationalists fought for control in mainland China, but they have since become two equal political entities.
He calls on Chinese leaders to give autonomy to Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Mongolia, and a separate northeast region.
�What the Chinese Communists should do is to give up the binding concept of a Great China, and give autonomy to the regions with distinctive features,� he wrote.
Lee also reiterates his stand that there is no need for Taiwan to declare independence from China. A formal declaration along with the adoption of a new name would endanger Taiwan�s de facto independence, he wrote.
Lee also wrote that Taiwan probably can resist Beijing�s efforts for reunification with continued support from the United States.
�The United States would not change its policy toward Taiwan as long as it does not detour from reality and as long as Taiwan maintains its strategic importance,� he wrote.
Ildar Gimadiyev, Chief Expert of the Department of Legislation & International Law, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan
ALMATY, May 15
(Specially for the GLOBE)
Cyprus present political problems stem the inability of her two communities, Greek and Turkish, to function under constitutional government. The bi-communal character of the Cypriot society, together with the persistent involvement in Cyprus, by the two mother-countries Greece and Turkey, have had negative effects on the development of a distinct Cypriot political personality.
Negotiations between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on uniting the island as bi-communal, bi-zonal federation had been going on for years before collapsing more than a year ago. Turkish Cypriot leader said talks could no longer keep going on the basis of negotiations between representatives of the Greek and Turkish communities but must be held between representatives of the two separate states. This would automatically mean recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proclaimed in 1983.
UN made a lot of efforts to peacefull settlement of the Cyprus problem and resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council create sufficient foundation for it. It is not the time to sum up the results of the UN�s activity on Cyprus, however what they have already done, it gives the grounds to consider, their presence have led to considerable normalization of situation in the country.
Confronted with Turkish threats and international pressure, Cyprus canceled its planned deployment of the S-300 missiles on the island and decided to deploy them on the Greek island of Crete instead. Greek Cypriot government backed down after indication that the arrival of the missiles could complicate its bid to become an EU member. President Glafcos Clerides� courageous decision not to deploy the S-300 missiles on Cyprus has opened new opportunities to find a resolution for Cyprus problem. The people of Cyprus - Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike - have a right to enjoy freedom, peace and stability like any other people in the world. Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said that the Greek and Greek Cypriot agreement to put anti-aircraft missiles on the island of Crete instead of Cyprus would only increase tension in the eastern Mediterranean. Neither Turkey nor the Turkish Cypriots are pleased with the new location. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots can take countermeasures and it can lead to the policy of confrontation rather than reconciliation. Turkish Cypriots see Greeks and Greek Cypriots in a joint initiative escalating the tension in the region. Bringing the Russian missiles to Crete should be seen as part of it.
US attempt again to ease tensions on the island and create a foundation for a lasting settlement of the Cyprus problem since Cyprus canceled the deployment of Russian anti-aircraft missiles on its territory. Cyprus expects United States� initiative to help resolve the division of the island. Greek Cypriots asked US for more decisive support to help resolve the Cyprus problem. Greek Cypriots� intention to deploy Russian missiles, which was later annulled, have influenced to the solution.
Turkish intransigence continues to prevent the resumption of intercommunal talks. Greek Cypriots remark the necessity to fully implement all UN resolutions on Cyprus which would help reduce tension and armaments, as well as to contribute towards the complete demilitarization of Cyprus. Greek Cypriots propose for the demilitarization and the need to deploy a multi-national force with the mandate from the Security Council. Turkish side should help promote the settlement that the presence of illegal Turkish settlers in the occupied areas causes complications for both communities and makes the peace effort more difficult. In addition to United Nations� efforts to revitalise �Good offices mission� aimed at ending the division of Cyprus.
Cyprus started accession negotiations with the EU in March 1998. Cyprus� economy is not in transition, compared to the other European Union candidate countries, Cyprus is in many ways well prepared for accession. President Glafcos Clerides said that the EU accession process is considered as an extra pressure for Turkey and a catalyst in efforts to solve Cyprus problem. The Union is determined to play a positive role in bringing about a just and lasting settlement.
Neither military pressure nor political dictation will solve the Cyprus question for Cyprus is a sovereign state. Nor can anything come for a decision made regardless of the Cypriots. The continuing crisis in Cyprus shows that it will be possible to restore peace and security in Cyprus by carring out pressing responsible decisions adopted on a broad international basis.
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