The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Monday stressed its opposition to the Taiwan authorities' attempts to hold a "referendum on UN membership" in the name of Taiwan.

"The SCO member states oppose the intention of the Taiwan authorities to make efforts for Taiwan to join the United Nations by holding a "referendum" on March 22, 2008," the SCO said in a statement.

The SCO said the plan, which contravenes the provisions of the UN Charter, could exacerbate the situation across the Taiwan Strait and threaten stability in the region and the well-being and security of millions of people.

"Reaffirming that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, the SCO member states consistently support the position of the government of the People's Republic of China on the Taiwan issue, resolutely oppose any form of 'independence of Taiwan', and deem its attempts to join the United Nations and other international organizations to be useless and dangerous," said the SCO.

(Xinhua News Agency March 17, 2008)