TAIPEI, Taiwan, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Government and non-government representatives from 26 Pacific Rim and surrounding nations Sunday formally inaugurated a regional organization in Taiwan.
Attending the inauguration of the Democratic Pacific Union in Taipei, timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of World War II hostilities in the Pacific Ocean, were Presidents Abel Pacheco of Costa Rica, Oscar Berger Perdomo of Guatemala and Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan.
The non-governmental organization is dedicated to "democracy, peace and prosperity," said Taiwan's Vice President Annette Lu, who guided it into existence over the last three years. She was elected honorary chairwoman during a closed door preparatory session Saturday.
The DPU Secretariat was to be established in Taipei and operate under Secretary-General Chen Wei-Jao, former president of National Taiwan University.
Strongly backed by isolated Taiwan, the DPU is seen by many as an effort by the island nation, still claimed by China, to regain greater international recognition.
