Democracy Group Looks to Aid Iraq

Rebuilding Iraq will top the agenda of the Taiwan Democracy Foundation when it begins formal operations by the end of June, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Michael Kau (高英茂) said yesterday.

"The Taiwan Democracy Foundation plans to work with key democracy foundations internationally to play a role in the postwar reconstruction of Iraq," Kau said during a meeting of the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee in the legislature.

"While many countries are now eyeing lucrative business opportunities in Iraq, I think the most fundamental task lies in how to establish a democratic mechanism in post-Saddam Iraq," Kau said.

While the ideas of the US and UK as mature democratic societies may not be practical for Iraqis, Taiwan's transformation from an authoritarian state to a full-fledged democracy may be relevant in the Iraqi case, Kau said.

"Our transformation experience is rather relevant," Kau said after the legislative question-and-answer session.

He said the foundation's blueprint for fostering democracy in Iraq could have an impact, provided its initiation is better than the plans envisioned by other foundations.

Kau said the foundation could even invite Iraqis to visit Taiwan for field observations of a young democracy at work.

"It's difficult for us to play any role in the establishment of a new government in Baghdad. But we can still invite Iraqi academics or political party representatives to come to Taiwan," Kau said.

Despite Taiwan's small size, Kau said, the nation could still exercise "intellectual initiatives" on measures to establish a democracy in postwar Iraq.

On the operations of the government-financed Taiwan Democracy Foundation, Kau said a preparatory committee will begin its operations in one or two weeks, and the foundation is expected to be formally launched by the end of June.

The legislature has allocated NT$150 million for the preparatory work leading up to the establishment of the foundation.

The foundation aims at promoting and sustaining democracy both domestically and internationally, according to Kau's report.

The foundation plans to channel one third of its funds to subsidize political parties in Taiwan, while the rest will be spent on networking and cooperation with like-minded foundations overseas, according to Kau.

DPP Legislator Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) expressed doubts about the foundation's plan to subsidize political parties in Taiwan, arguing that the scope of such a subsidy should be clearly defined to avoid further disputes.

"Elections can be defined as part of the democratic movement in Taiwan," Hsiao said.