Taipei Times
Date: Sep 25, 2016
By: Staff writer, with CNA
Washington encourages the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to engage each other on the basis of dignity and respect, a senior US Department of State official said on Friday, after Taiwan was not invited to attend an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly, apparently due to China’s objections.
The US has an abiding interest in cross-strait dialogue, stability and peace and in supporting Taiwan as it seeks to expand its contributions to addressing global challenges, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific Daniel Russel said.
“Where there are steps by either side to reduce tensions and to foster constructive dialogue and engagement, we welcome it, and we encourage the two sides to engage on the basis of dignity and respect,” Russel said during a briefing at the New York Foreign Press Center, in response to a question on Taiwan’s failed ICAO bid.
He said Washington supports Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the ICAO and in international organizations where statehood is not a prerequisite for membership. [FULL STORY]