A fishermen's association on the Chinese mainland has accused
Taiwan authorities of "having no respect for humanitarianism" and
"trampling on human rights," and will set no time limit on the ban
on cross-Straits cooperation in fishermen's services.
"When the ban will be lifted depends solely on Taiwan authorities'
sincerity and determination to take concrete and effective measures
to protect the lawful rights of mainland fishermen," said Diao
Chunhe, chairman of the Coordination Commission on Cross-Straits
Fishermen's Services Cooperation, Monday at a press conference.
He
urged Taiwan to set up a corresponding non-governmental
organization to seek solutions for existing problems in
cross-Straits fishermen's services cooperation.
He
said one mainland fisherman on the Yuansheng "floating slum," which
caught fire on July 9, was still missing.
A
total of 128 mainland fishermen were on the boat when the fire
broke out and 127 of them have survived, 10 of whom were
injured.
The chairman said that so far as he knew, the majority of these
frightened mainland fishermen were sent out fishing only one day
after the fire had taken place.
He
said the commission is greatly worried about the safety of mainland
fishermen working for Taiwan fisheries, estimated to number about
20,000, who are still living in "floating slums."
"The accident makes clear again Taiwan's failure to protect
mainland fishermen's lawful rights," said Diao.
He
said Taiwan authorities are responsible for the accident, because
mainland fishermen are forbidden to land on the island and can only
live in boats, the so-called "floating slums," which are not fit
for living at all.
Diao expressed his indignation at such discrimination against
mainland fishermen.
"The rights of mainland fishermen are sacrificed for some people's
political interest in the island. Such behavior shows no respect
for human life and tramples on human rights," he said.
"Cross-Straits fishermen's services cooperation is mutually
beneficial, but the mainland will not allow its fishermen's rights
to be infringed upon," he said.
The mainland stopped exporting fishermen's services to Taiwan last
December, when authorities saw that these fishermen's security
could not be ensured on the island.
Diao also demanded that Taiwan authorities allow the commission to
send delegations to visit and talk with mainland fishermen who are
living on these "floating slums."
"This is our duty and right and Taiwan authorities shouldn't set up
barriers for us to visit our fishermen," he said.
Diao said the commission had asked to visit the mainland fishermen
on the vessel Yuansheng immediately after the fire but were unable
to do so due to hindrance from Taiwan authorities.
Taiwan said the commission must first make a written promise that
the mainland will immediately lift the ban on the provision of
fishermen's service.
(China
Daily July 30, 2002)