Taiwan Interpol observer bid bill passed by US Senate

2016/03/14

A bill boosting Taiwan’s participation in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) was passed unanimously March 8 by the U.S. Senate.

Introduced by Sen. Cory Gardner and co-sponsored by Sen. Ben Cardin in December 2015, S 2426 follows HR 1853. The latter was proposed by Rep. Matt Salmon and approved without dissent in November the same year by the U.S. House of Representatives.

In a statement welcoming passage of the Senate bill, the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs said March 9 that the U.S. executive branch is also a staunch supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in Interpol. Senior Department of State officials Daniel Russel, Kurt Tong and Susan Thornton have endorsed Taiwan’s observer bid in the organization on several occasions.

“These developments underscore the great importance Washington attaches to Taiwan’s expanded participation in international organizations,” a MOFA official said. “Such long-term bipartisan support also shows that Taiwan-U.S. relations are at their best state in 37 years.”

According to the text of S 2426, Taiwan’s exclusion from Interpol denies it access to the organization’s global police communication systems. This hinders the seamless flow of information between international police agencies and effectiveness of coordinated cross-border actions.

“Taiwan is unable to swiftly share information on criminals and suspicious activity with the international community, leaving a huge void in the global crime-fighting efforts and leaving the entire world at risk.”

Citing Taiwan’s observer status of the World Health Assembly, S 2426 sets out Taiwan’s significant contribution to the international community’s collective efforts in pandemic monitoring, early warning, control and other related matters.

S 2426 directs the U.S. secretary of state to develop a strategy within 90 days of its enactment assisting Taiwan to obtain Interpol observer status and take part in associated activities; instruct Interpol Washington to request such status for Taiwan; and urge Interpol members to back Taiwan’s bid and participation.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=242861&ctNode=2194&mp=9)