Super powers can compromise

"Do what we say but don't do what we do." This is what the super-powers mean to tell others! Is this not amply proven by the decision of the French Government to resume their nuclear tests? They must know that we don't inherit the earth from our forefathers but borrow it from our children.

What is the "permanent" wonder of this world? I believe it is the non-existence of Taiwan, thanks to the permanent members of the UN Security Council. Haven't they permanently obliterated Taiwan from the world map? Twenty-one million people just don't exist on this earth! It looks as though the acronym "UN" connotes negativity. I wish it was called the Indonesian way, "NU" -- Nations United, for a common endeavor.

China is a big country. It can certainly afford to be magnanimous. Taiwan does not seem to be averse to the idea of eventual reunification with China. So, what is the need for China to take an intimidating posture or threaten its younger brother?

Is there anything at all that cannot be achieved by mutual discussions? Give and take -- mind you, it's not the other way round. And that's what compromise is all about. My own description of the word "compromise" will be -- "Calmly promise to accommodate others' views". China will ultimately stand to gain much more by the consensus approach. Let the motto be "Live and let live."

If the two Germanys can unite honorably, why not two Chinas? What appears to be missing is a statesmanship, that was characterized by the wise, sagacious Gorbachev in the case of Germany. By the way, Gorbachev's contribution to world peace is just immeasurable -- he is certain to go down in history as The man of this century!

Can't the western nations help Taiwan? They can and they should. A few gestures like granting a visa to Taiwan's Head of State to visit the U.S. on a private mission doesn't really go far enough. More concrete action is necessary to protect the legitimate aspirations of the Taiwanese people. If there is a will, there is certainly a way. Let us hope good sense will prevail all round.

D. CHANDRAMOULI

Jakarta