Press Release *** FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION *** Protect Taiwans Democracy Rally on this Saturday, March 29 SAN FRANCISCO, California March 24, 2014 - Taiwanese Americans from around the Bay Area are appalled by the violence used by police against peaceful protesters in Taiwan, a major ally and trade partner of the United States. The peaceful protests, mainly comprised of students, began on March 18th against undemocratic procedures used by the Taiwanese administration to force a Services Trade Agreement with China through the Legislative Yuan. The Services Trade Agreement has been controversial since its beginning as the government has not been transparent about the deal and tried to bypass a former promise to review the it clause by clause. The deal has also been cited as potentially dangerous for Taiwan’s already weak economy. Thus, the protests have grown in numbers to tens of thousands and spread throughout the island nation as the people are concerned for the future of their democracy. We take the following positions: The Taiwanese government needs to cease any violence against the peaceful protesters. The Taiwanese government and the Legislative Yuan urgently need to come to an agreement to have an orderly clause-by-clause process to review the agreement. The present heavy-handed approach is harmful to the country’s democracy; As this trade agreement is an international legal instrument, it should be treated as such, and a formal, legal mechanism needs to be defined to review any such agreements between Taiwan and China In a show of solidarity for our democratic ally, Taiwanese American student and professionals organizations will be hosting a rally in support of the protesters in Taiwan. This rally is expected to be largest outside of Taiwan. We invite all press to join us. Location: UN Plaza in San Francisco Date: March 29, 2014 Saturday Time: 13:00 to 16:00
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 19:02:39 +0000
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