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Fitial uses own funds for Taiwan visit
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Posted on Apr 11 2006
Diplomatic sensitivities have prompted Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to make last-minute changes to his plan for his Taiwan trip today.
Fitial, who will visit Taipei upon the invitation of the Taiwan government, will travel on his personal expense and will meet only potential investors during his trip. The original plan was for the Taiwan government to pay for the trip.
“The change on the Taiwan trip was prompted by our desire to strictly adhere to the ‘one-China’ U.S. policy. Under our Covenant agreement with the United States, we are bound to adhere to U.S. national policy regarding foreign affairs,” said press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr.
The United States adheres to the one-China policy, which recognizes the Beijing-based government as the legitimate ruler of China. The policy prohibits official contact with Taiwan.
The governor will also cover the travel expenses of his companions, Senate President Joseph Mendiola and House Speaker Oscar Babauta.
“The governor has agreed to also pay for our trip. No taxpayer’s money or Taiwan government funds will be spent on this trip,” Babauta said.
Furthermore, press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said that Fitial would not be meeting with any Taiwan government officials. The governor would be meeting with private business people only.
Reyes said the main objectives of the governor’s trip are to secure investments for the Commonwealth and to revive nonstop flight service between Taiwan and the CNMI.
“The government will engage in diplomatic activities. It will be purely an economic trip,” he said.
Fitial and the two highest legislative officials will be gone for about a week.
