Mr. Chairman:

It is with great pain that we make this yearly pilgrimage to give concrete resolution to the now moot issue of the Taiwan province's representation at this illustrious body.

The recognition of Taiwan as a nation defies the principal tenets upon which sovereignty and statehood are founded.  These defining characteristics of sovereignty are the basis upon which this organization predicates its existence.

Saint Lucia's support for the One-China policy is unwavering and informed not only by political considerations but a moral imperative.  This position finds almost unanimous favor with the nations represented here, as is indicated by the number of years this issue has been raised and rejected.

The flawless reunification of Hong Kong into mainland China, and the soon to be integrated Macau, follows global patterns of consolidaation and unification.  The trend towards integration ensures stability, peace, and seeks to provide security, economically as well as militarily.  It is our fervent hope that in the wider interest of prosperity and security that both the Taiwanese and Chinese would rediscover the bonds of brotherhood which
made China a great nation.  The responsibility is upon us to ensure that the enlightened path is realised and taken.

Resolution 2758 adopted at the 26th Session of the General Assembly in 1971 defined and conferred on the People's Republic of China, the legitimacy of representation within this Organization of States.  It is an equally compelling impeerative that Saint Lucia finds it necessary to state its unambiguous opposition to the inclusion of item 171 "Taiwan's Representation at the United Nations" on the Draft Agenda of the 54th General Assembly.

I thank you.