By Phayul Reporter
Delhi, April 9 – Some members of Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Taipei, are in Dhatramsala on a three-day visit. The purpose of their visit is to inaugurate an ambulance vehicle donated to the Department of Health by a Taiwanese sponsor.
Interestingly enough the Taiwanese delegation led by Andrew J.C Kao, the representative, Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre, New Delhi (unrecognized Ambassador of the unrecognized Taiwanese Embassy in India) also met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama today.
While the Dharamsala administration hesitates to publicly express its sympathy to the Taiwanese president Chen Shui Bian when he was shot or congratulate him on his victory in the elections as it strives to create ‘conducive environment’ for talks with Beijing, the visit of a Taiwanese delegation is viewed as no less than a threat to the new chapter in the relationship between Dharamsala and Beijing.
The ambulance, valued at approximately Sixty five lakh Indian Rupees, was inaugurated at Norbulingka in the presence of Kalon Lobsang Nyandak, minister for health and finance, and Kalon Thupten Lungrik, minister for education, religion and culture. The vehicle is equipped with the latest medical facilties and gadgets. The vehicle will be used by Dekyiling hospital, an undertaking of the Health Department, owing to the mountainous terrain of Dharamsala.
This is the second visit to Dharamsala of a delegation of Taiwan Tibet Exchange Foundation after its formation. The last visit took place in May 2003.
