Brussels, 06/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - The EU has expressed concern about Taiwan's proposal to organise a referendum on 22 March this year on its membership of the UN under the name of “Taiwan”, despite Beijing's opposition to this. “While recognising the general value of referenda as democratic instruments, the EU is, nevertheless, concerned by the decision in Taiwan to proceed with the proposed referendum on joining the UN in the name of Taiwan”, the Slovenian EU Council Presidency states in a declaration published on 6 March. “The proposed referendum would risk increasing cross-straits tension, to the potential detriment of all concerned, including the people of Taiwan”, the Presidency stresses, calling on both parties to resolve their dispute through dialogue. (H.B.)