Taiwan thanks Obama for Interpol bill support

2016/03/23

A bill boosting Taiwan’s participation in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) was signed into law March 18 by U.S. President Barack Obama, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“We are deeply grateful to the U.S. executive and legislative branches for their staunch support of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in Interpol,” the MOFA said in a statement.

The bill 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.

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

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=243192&ctNode=2194&mp=9)