The DR confirmed its support to Taiwan in its struggle to maintain its status as an independent country. Vice President Jaime David Fernandez traveled to Taipei, Taiwan to participate in a summit of Central American statesmen and the Taiwan government. The DR and Central American countries agreed to continue to offer diplomatic support to Taiwan. Taiwan agreed to increase its economic support to the region. President Alvaro Arzú, Guatemala; Arnoldo Alemán, Nicaragua; Carlos Flores Facussé, Honduras; Francisco Flores, El Salvador attended. Also present were Vice President Astrid Fishel, Costa Rica; and Deputy Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno. Vice President Jaime David Fernández attended as an observer. The plan calls for the establishment of a US$240 million fund for the development of Central America. Taiwan will also lend US$50 million to the Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica. The moneys will be lent out to small businesses. The government of Taipei also committed to increase its investments and development cooperation efforts in the region. The countries support Taiwan’s aspirations to continue as an independent nation, regardless of China’s position that Taiwan is but a renegade Chinese province.
