The delegation is composed of scholars, dancers, newlyweds, senior citizens and students. They will take part in a planned rally organized in front of the U.N. headquarters on Sept. 15.

“I am Taiwanese,” said Jill Hsu, an university student in the textile department at Fu Jen Catholic University. She is traveling with her younger brother to the U.S. to help promote Taiwan’s bid prior to the opening of the annual U.N. General Assembly session on Sept. 18, she said.

According to TAIUNA, 2,000 participants are expected to take part in the protests in New York while, a crowd of 500,000 people is expected in the southern city of Kaohsiung for a rally organized by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party on the same subject, also on Sept. 15.

Minister Shieh Jhy-wei of the Government Information Office, who is currently in the U.S. to coordinate on Taiwan’s U.N. bid, will also participate in the event.

In New York, TAIUNA’s members will distribute flyers promoting Taiwan’s U.N. bid for membership, said Chen Lung-chu, president of TAIUNA.

“We represent Taiwan’s voice,” said a young participant, who will deliver a speech at the entrance of the U.N. tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it was also reported in the media that the government is sponsoring the trip of the statue of the sea goddess Matsu to New York, to support its membership campaign in the United Nations.

A NT$3 million budget was allocated by the government and some private organizations to send the 386-year-old statue abroad, which usually stays in Taiwan’s Chiayi County.

According to the legend, Matsu protects fishermen and sailors. The statue is carried on wooden poles and will be given its own seat during its travel.

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