We Are Not a Beggar Nation, Hamat Bah Tells Taiwanese Parliamentarians The Independent (Banjul) August 25, 2000 Banjul National Reconciliation Party leader and National Assembly member for Upper Saloum, Hamat Bah, Sunday told visiting Taiwanese parliamentarians that 'The Gambia is not a beggar nation' and instead has a lot to offer both nationally and internationally. Addressing the seven-man parliamentary delegation from Taiwan led by Mrs. Chu Feng Lee at the National Assembly, Hamat Bah, informed the parliamentarians that it was important that the new government of Taiwan adjusts on its foreign policy and that in as much as they need to make friends, such friendships should not be based on gifts alone as 'dollar diplomacy does not survive.' He added that Gambians have a 'special feeling and spirit' for the Taiwanese people and urged the new government of Taiwan to be more transparent and as open as possible in its dealings with government. 'We have seen many development projects in this country that have not even featured in the development estimate of our annual budgets and we would have loved to see these things featured as other partners are doing with The Gambia,' he emphasised. Mr. Bah said such issues have been raised in the National Assembly many a time and hoped that future relations would now be characterised and guided by 'accountability, transparency, and probity' in the interest of both countries. 'Your dealings should not interfere directly in the political activities of this country at our local and national level,' he said. Mr. Bah told the ROC parliamentarians that that Sunday was the first time it was officially confirmed by majority leader Tamsir Jallow that contrary to the impression given by the president, the tractors recently donated to farmers were from the Taiwanese government to the government of The Gambia and not personally bought by President Jammeh. Hamat Bah commended the ROC's embassy staff in The Gambia for their hardwork in various development projects. Speaking earlier, majority leader Tamsir Jallow said that The Gambia appreciates very much the assistance rendered by the ROC. He said 'we are glad that only a few weeks ago, the president was pleased to distribute contribution that came from the ROC in the form of tractors together with other agricultural accessories that farmers have hailed and welcomed.' Minority leader Kemeseng Jammeh said the ROC's having for the first time a president that comes from the opposition was a victory for opposition parties. 'In fact that is a glaring indication that there is a vibrant democracy indicated in the composition in the team,' he added. Sidia Jatta, National Assembly member for Wuli remarked that 'friendship of the type that exists between the ROC and The Gambia is an 'essential prerequisite for the establishment of peace and stability in our troubled world' adding that 'such friendship must be characterised by mutual respect and mutual interdependence.' He noted that The Gambia has 'a great potential to give help; it is just a question of tapping it.' The Taiwanese delegation acknowledged that any opposition party can become a ruling party and that the concern expressed by the opposition in terms of transparency will be tabled at a congress of their foreign affairs committee to ensure that all assistance and agreements are reported to the National Assembly. They also asked The Gambia to continue helping them gain recognition at the United Nations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface ----------------------------------------------------------------------------