A number of African countries and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States have issued speeches or statements denouncing Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's decision to cease the function of the "National Unification Council" (NUC) and the application of the "National Unification Guidelines".

Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju said the Kenyan government always stuck to the one-China principle, and had never changed its position on the Taiwan issue.

Kenya strongly objects to the Taiwan authority's move to cease the function of the "NUC", and would never allow Taiwan secessionists to seek support for their "Taiwan independence" dream in Kenya, Tuju said.

The Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Ministry of Mauritania released a communique, criticizing Chen's decision.

The decision breached the one-China principle and posed threats to the regional peace and stability, the communique said, adding the Mauritanian government restates its support for the great cause of China's reunification and its position on the one-China policy.

Zambian Foreign Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha said Chen's recent declaration was "very dangerous", for it not only undermined the stability of the cross-Straits relations, but also threatened peace in the Asian Pacific region and the world at large.

The Zambian government steadfastly opposed "Taiwan independence" in any form, and always adhered to the one-China position, believing Taiwan was an inalienable part of China, Shikapwasha said.

In a statement issued by the Tajikistan Foreign Ministry, Tajikistan's government said it would firmly stick to the one-China position and that Taiwan was an inalienable part of China, criticizing the "Taiwan independence" secessionist actions in any name or form.

The Foreign Ministry of Belarus released a statement, noting Chen's decision violated his promises made in 2000 and 2004.

Belarus reiterated its support for the People's Republic of China, opposing "Taiwan independence" and any conspiracy to create "Two Chinas" and "One China, One Taiwan."

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement reaffirming that "the Egyptian government abides by the one-China principle, believing Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory."

The "NUC" was set up in 1990 by the Taiwan authorities headed by Lee Teng-hui. A total of 14 meetings were held after its establishment. However, no "NUC" meeting has been held since Chen Shui-bian became Taiwan leader.

The "National Unification Guidelines" were issued in 1991, saying both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan are under the sovereignty of China and the promotion of the state's reunification should be the common task of all Chinese.

The guidelines also outlined a three-phase goal for the realization of China's reunification.

Source: Xinhua