http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060809/pl_afp/mideastconflicttaiwan_060809161913
US concerned over Taiwan FM's meeting with Hezbollah leader Wed Aug 9, 12:19 PM ET
The United States voiced concern over a meeting between Taiwan's foreign minister and leader of Hezbollah which Washington regards as a terrorist group.
"Taiwan is well aware of the US view on Hezbollah, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization," said David Miller, spokesman for American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy here.
He said Washington believes Taipei would continue to honor its previous vow to fight terrorism.
"We have no indication of any change in Taiwan's commitment to cooperate in the war on terrorists," Miller told AFP.
Taiwan confirmed Tuesday that Foreign Minister James Huang visited Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut in April.
However, ministry spokesman Michel Lu played down the significance of the meeting, terming it a "courtesy call" after the clandestine trip sparked controversy here.
He stressed that the visit was in compliance with Taiwan's own "diplomatic thinking," which calls for "making friends with countries friendly to Taiwan."
The minister was in Lebanon to promote diplomacy, Lu said without elaboration.
The US has remained the leading arms supplier to the island despite its switch of diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian had planned to make a surprise visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut on his way to Latin America in May, but was barred after a strong protest from China.
Lebanon does not recognize Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary.
The island is waging a diplomatic war against China to expand its overseas presence.
US concerned over Taiwan FM's meeting with Hezbollah leader Wed Aug 9, 12:19 PM ET
The United States voiced concern over a meeting between Taiwan's foreign minister and leader of Hezbollah which Washington regards as a terrorist group.
"Taiwan is well aware of the US view on Hezbollah, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization," said David Miller, spokesman for American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy here.
He said Washington believes Taipei would continue to honor its previous vow to fight terrorism.
"We have no indication of any change in Taiwan's commitment to cooperate in the war on terrorists," Miller told AFP.
Taiwan confirmed Tuesday that Foreign Minister James Huang visited Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut in April.
However, ministry spokesman Michel Lu played down the significance of the meeting, terming it a "courtesy call" after the clandestine trip sparked controversy here.
He stressed that the visit was in compliance with Taiwan's own "diplomatic thinking," which calls for "making friends with countries friendly to Taiwan."
The minister was in Lebanon to promote diplomacy, Lu said without elaboration.
The US has remained the leading arms supplier to the island despite its switch of diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing in 1979.
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian had planned to make a surprise visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut on his way to Latin America in May, but was barred after a strong protest from China.
Lebanon does not recognize Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force if necessary.
The island is waging a diplomatic war against China to expand its overseas presence.
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