Numerous countries have in the last few days voiced strong opposition to Taiwan authorities' attempt to hold a referendum on joining the United Nations and reiterated their commitment to the one-China policy.

"It is our deep conviction that this political gamble, which is being persistently hyped by the authorities of the island, carries a tremendous destructive potential. It is capable of exercising, and is already exercising, a large-scale destabilizing effect on the political climate in the Asia-Pacific Region and threatens the interests of peace and development," Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said Wednesday.

"An absolute majority of states, including the Russian Federation, recognize Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and the government of the People's Republic of China as the only lawful government representing the whole of China," he said.

Russia opposes the independence of Taiwan in any form and understands efforts by the Chinese government to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, the deputy minister said.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias said Wednesday that Cyprus remains steadfast to the one-China policy and opposes holding a referendum on UN membership by the Taiwan authorities.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yali.

Describing the planned referendum as an attempt by Taiwan authorities to split China, the president said such an action would inflict a negative impact on the peace and stability in eastern Asia and even the whole world.

Taiwan authorities' attempt to hold a referendum on UN membership in the name of Taiwan will sabotage regional stability, Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ivars Lasis said Tuesday.

Latvia adheres to the one-China policy and recognizes Taiwan as an inseparable part of China, Lasis stressed.

Latvia does not and will not have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan authorities, and will not have any official cooperation and exchange with them, he added.

The Maldivian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that the Maldivian government remains committed to China's national unity and seriously concerned about the attempts by Taiwan authorities to hold a so-called referendum on the pretext of seeking independence and joining the United Nations on March 22.

The statement added that Maldives deems any unilateral attempts by the Taiwan authorities as going against the spirit of the principle of Chinese sovereignty enshrined in UN resolution 2758 of 1971, according the People's Republic of China membership of the United Nations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2008)