WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) -- The United States Thursday welcomed the decision to make China a permanent observer at the Organization of American States, but wants Taiwan included.
The U.S. State Department said the United States wants Taiwan to be accepted as a non-governmental observer.
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told a briefing in Washington that the U.S. administration had supported China's move to become a permanent observer.
The OAS Permanent Council Wednesday approved China's application by consensus, according to Boucher.
"At the same time, we noted our strong support for the OAS to find a way that provides for Taiwan to participate in the OAS," said Boucher.
He pointed out that precedents do exist for non-state organizations to participate in some fashion.
The OAS has agreed to place the U.S. request on the agenda of the next Permanent Council meeting.
"We would look forward to a good discussion of Taiwan's efforts to find a way to contribute in a positive and constructive way to the work of the OAS," Boucher said.
