01-11-2006

The VIII UNPO General Assembly, held with the support of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, from 27 – 29 October 2006 in Taipei, Taiwan.

A colorful and dynamic Opening Ceremony set the stage for lively and impassioned debate, as well as inspiring and encouraging words from UNPO Chairperson Mr. Göran Hansson, UNPO Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Mary Simat, Vice President of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy Ms. Maysing Yang, and the Former Minister of Justice of Estonia Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher. The words and support of Mr. Vaher, representing a former UNPO Member and now a successful self-governing state, offered both hope and a poignant reminder of the potential of UNPO as an organisation.
The morning session was closed by a cultural performance of Ami & Puyuma indigenous people of Taiwan. After Lunch which is hosted by Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, the session began with a Discussion including Q . A. on “Identity, Democracy and Security” the participants ware:
Mr. Wen-Cheng Lin, President of Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Taiwan; Mr. Ken-Marti Vaher, Former Minister of Justice, Estonia; Mr. Lord Nazir Ahmed, Member British House of Lords; Mr. Parris Chang, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Taiwan; Hon. Marco Pannella, Member European Parliament; Hon. Mr. Hans van Baalen, Member of the Dutch Parliament, Vice President Liberal International. The first day was closed with a Gala Dinner in Grand Hotel, Taipei hosted by Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The second day began with presenting financial report by Mr. Marino Busdachin, General Secretary, UNPO and proposed reform of the UNPO Covenant and followed by UNPO member speeches.

The final day began with presentation & adoption of UNPO Member resolutions and also featured the election of a new President and Vice President, as well as 9 other Members of the UNPO Presidency. Ogoni representative Mr. Ledum Mitee was elected as the new UNPO President, and the representative of Taiwan, Ms. Maysing Yang, was elected as the new UNPO Vice-President, serving until the IX General Assembly. Both the elected representatives have worked tirelessly on behalf of their respective communities, as well as the UNPO organisation and its Members, and expressed great honour at being granted the opportunity to serve UNPO Members at this exciting and crucial moment in the organisation’s history. Praise was also abundant for the ceaseless dedication of outgoing Chairperson Göran Hansson, as well as outgoing Vice-Chairperson Mary Simat, both of whom have contributed a great deal to the successes of the preceding year. Both will however continue to play a crucial role in further reform and development, seated amongst the 9 additional Presidency Members, elected along with: Mr. Maxim Gunija (Abkhazia), Dr. Karim Abdian (Ahwazi), Mr. Thach Ngoc Thach (Khmer Krom), Mr. Reinaldo Mariqueo (Mapuche), Mr. Ngawang Choepel (Tibet), Mr. Dolkun Isa (Uyghur), and Mr. Seif Sharif Hamad (Zanzibar).

Balochistan presented two resolutions both of them unanimously adopted by UNPO members:

A member resolution.

A jointly resolution with Ahwazi Arab.