African countries condemn Chen Shui-bian's secessionist action

Some African countries have issued statements to denounce Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's move and to reiterate their stances firmly adhering to the one China policy.

Madagascar's Prime Minister Jacques Sylla and Foreign Minister Marcel Ranjeva made speeches separately, saying that Chen Shui-bian's splitting activities endangered the peace and stability of the region of the Taiwan Straits and that Madagascar stands by the one China policy and supports the peaceful reunification of China.

Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape said Chen Shui-bian's actions had sent a "dangerous signal" to the international community and created tension. He said both sides of the Taiwan Straits belonged to one family and should reunify.

Mwape also said the Zambian government adhered to one China policy.

Namibian former President Sam Nujoma, who is also the head of Namibia's ruling South West African People's Organization (SWAPO), said Chen Shui-bian had abandoned his promise, leading to tension on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, and endangering the peace and stability of the Asian region.

Nujoma said SWAPO would always stand by its one China position and insisted that Taiwan was an indivisible part of China.

Cameroon's Prime Minister Inoni Ephraim said his country adhered to the one China principle and would always be a reliable friend of China on the issue.

Vice President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Abdoulaye Yerodia Ndombasi and several senior government officials said the DRC opposed Chen's separatist actions and insisted on the one China policy.

Chen declared on Feb. 27 that the "National Unification Council" (NUC) would "cease to function" and that the "National Unification Guidelines" would "cease to apply."

The "National Unification Council" was set up in 1990 by the Taiwan authorities headed by Lee Teng-hui. A total of 14 meetings were held after its establishment. However, no "NUC" meeting has been held since Chen became Taiwan leader.

The "National Unification Guidelines" were issued in 1991, saying both the mainland and Taiwan are under the sovereignty of China and the promotion of the state's reunification should be the common task of all Chinese.

The guidelines also outlined a three-phase goal for the realization of China's reunification.

Source: Xinhua