The National Council's resolution would next be forwarded to the Council of States--the upper house of parliament--and, if passed there, would go into force, requiring government agencies to act in accordance with the bill.
Taiwan's Central News Agency reported April 5 that, although the 200-member National Council passed the resolution with a vote of 94 to 62, it was unlikely the resolution would have any substantive impact on the Swiss government's stance at the World Health Assembly slated to convene May 14.
Nevertheless, passage of the bill calling for support for Taiwan at the WHO was a highly symbolic gesture, indicating there is more support for Taiwan's participation in the agency among the international community than is often supposed.
The resolution was the result of more than two years of efforts, having been initially proposed by Swiss People's Party National Council Member Reymond Andre in December 2004. He argued that if Switzerland desired to maintain a neutral stance and keep equal distance between China and Taiwan, the Swiss WHO delegation should at least abstain during the voting. If nothing else, this would not technically be a vote against Taiwan.
In March 2005, the Federal Council--an executive council that constitutes Switzerland's government--explained that, in January 1950, Switzerland recognized the People's Republic of China. Since that time it had adopted a "one-China policy," which stated that Beijing was the sole legal representative of China and that Taiwan was a part of China. Moreover, Switzerland's stance accorded with those of most other nations in the international community. In light of this, the Swiss government opposed the resolution submitted by the National Council member.
The Swiss government stressed, however, that it was willing to embrace a pragmatic attitude to resolve the issue of cooperation between the WHO and a Taiwan health agency.
David Wang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Taiwan welcomed and appreciated the National Council's resolution. He said the Swiss lower house's resistance to political pressure and its support for Taiwan's bid to participate in the WHO demonstrated humanity and morality.
Taiwan hoped that more countries would come to understand the importance of these health issues and support Taiwan's effort to join the WHO, Wang said, thereby helping to create a truly global disease prevention network.
Write to Edwin Hsiao at edwinhsiao@mail.gio.gov.tw