The Arab League (AL) and dozens of world countries have reiterated their adherence to the one-China principle in reaction to the latest move made by Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian to "cease the function" of the "National Unification Council".

They noted that Chen's act would jeopardize the peace, stability and security in the Taiwan Straits as well as the whole Asia-Pacific region.

Ahmed Bin Heli, AL assistant secretary general for political affairs, said Thursday the NUC and the guidelines have positive meanings.

The Taiwan authorities' forceful decision is changing the status quo unilaterally, which does not serve the upmost interests of people of both sides of the Straits, he said.

The pan-Arab organization would never sway its stance on the one-China policy and opposes any move leading toward "Taiwan independence," he stressed.

Egypt's Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Ali Hefani said his country opposes and condemns the recent move by Chen to push for "Taiwan independence" because the attempt would lead to instability not only across the Taiwan Straits but also in Asia and the whole world.

He said such a move does not serve the fundamental interests of the Chinese people on both sides of the Straits.

Egypt would continue to uphold the one-China principle and firmly supported the cause of China's unification, he added.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Sihasak Phuangketkeow said "Thailand always sticks to the one-China principle on the Taiwan question. Chen's recent decision is a dangerous move that will harm the cross-strait peace."

The Thai government opposes "Taiwan independence" and secessionist activities in any other forms, he said.

The Ugandan government said in a statement on Wednesday that "Uganda recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legal government of China and considers Taiwan as an integral part of the Chinese territory."

It said Chen's act would undermine the cross-strait relations and create regional tensions.

"We call upon the authorities in Taiwan to desist from pursuing these dangerous and illegal policies and to resume pursuit of peaceful reunification of China," the statement said.

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Morshed Khan said on Thursday that his government felt very regretful about Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's decision.

Bangladesh's stance on the one-China policy is very clear, said Morshed in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Nasser al-Qidwa said "the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) pays close attention to the Taiwan question and our stance is clear and consistent, that is, the PNA sticks to the one-China principle, fully supports China's reunification cause, and firmly opposes the Taiwan authorities' secessionist attempt."

Senegalese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Tidiane Gadio pointed out Chen's move is risky and dangerous and should be denounced by the international community.

Mozambique's government spokesman Luis Covane said China's peaceful unification cause is a just cause which should get the compassion and support of all countries who uphold justice.

The Mozambique's government and people would continue to support China's peaceful unification cause as always and hoped that the cause could be achieved soon.

The Prime Minister of Guinea, Bissau Aristides Gomes, said his government supported Beijing's stance on the Taiwan question, stood by the one-China policy and China's reunification cause. (more)

Source: Xinhua