Representative didn't attend independence event: MOFA

“It is a custom for our representative to attend such gatherings arranged by overseas compatriots,” said Chen Shih-liang (陳士良), director of MOFA's Department of African Affairs, at yesterday's regular briefing held in the foreign ministry.

The meeting organized by the Taiwanese Association in Africa (非洲台灣人協會) was held on March 20 . It was held to choose the new president of the association, said Chen.

Liu Chin-ray (劉青雷), director in the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa, was invited to make an address during the meeting, he added.

Chen also said Liu did hear the Taiwanese-dialect song entitled “Taiwan the Green” (台灣翠青) at the opening of the gathering.

However, he wasn't aware that the song is regarded by many as the national anthem of the Taiwan Republic (台灣國), a part of an ongoing pro-independence campaign led by many activists in Taiwan.

“Liu's participation in the meeting didn't mean he share the same identity as the association members,” Chen said.

During his address, Liu also clearly stated the current administration's stance on cross-strait exchanges and Taiwan's international policy, Chen said.

Chen made the comment after an overseas Taiwanese who saw Liu at the pro-independence meeting wrote a letter to a lawmaker, accusing the MOFA official of violating administrative neutrality.

The Taiwanese surnamed Chan (詹) said Liu should be removed from the post for such inappropriate behaviors.

The complaint letter was later revealed by local Chinese-language newspaper United Daily News.

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