Taiwan is grateful for the U.S. Senate’s backing of its bid for observer status in the International Civil Aviation Organization, according to the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs June 20.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to U.S. senators from the Democratic and Republican parties for their friendship and support,” a MOFA official said.
The official’s remarks follow the unanimous passage of S-579 through the U.S. Senate June 19, a day after a similar piece of legislation cleared the U.S. House of Representatives in the same fashion.
After completing Congress administrative procedures, the bills will be sent to the White House for U.S. President Barack Obama to sign into effect.
“This development represents strong backing from the U.S. Congress for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations,” the official said, adding that it is the first time since 2004 when the Capitol Hill enacted similar legislation in support of Taiwan taking part in the World Health Organization.
Sponsored by U.S. Sen. Robert "Bob" Menendez, co-chair of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, the bill directs the U.S. secretary of state to assist Taiwan in obtaining observer status at the triennial ICAO assembly, as well as related meetings, activities and mechanisms thereafter.
The legislation also instructs the “U.S. Mission to the ICAO to officially request observer status for Taiwan … and to actively urge ICAO member states to support such observer status and participation for Taiwan.”
In addition, the bill requires the secretary of state to submit a report to Congress on U.S. government efforts to promote Taiwan’s bid for ICAO observer status.
The ICAO assembly is the U.N.-affiliated organization’s governing body. Its 38th session will be held Sept. 24 to Oct. 4 in Montreal, Canada. (RC-JSM)
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