Chang ordered the Ministry of the Interior to process the related paperwork as soon as possible to facilitate the declaration of the commemorative day, which will not be observed as a public holiday.

Chang made the announcement during a weekly Cabinet meeting, after hearing a report by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Taiwan's bid for U.N. membership and another report by the Sports Affairs Council on a plan to hold a torch relay October 24 to promote the U.N. bid.

Chang noted that this year marks the first time that the country has applied to join the United Nations under the name Taiwan, which he said also marks "a major historic step forward" for Taiwan.

According to Chang, the hardship that Taiwan has experienced in trying to achieve the goal has not undermined the nation's desire and determination to join the world body.

"Today, we want to declare to our citizens and to the international community that we will not be discouraged. Taiwan's drive to join the United Nations will not stop here," he said.

The premier said the Cabinet and related agencies will actively try to establish contact with the United Nations and its affiliated organizations and fight for every opportunity to take part in various U.N.-related meetings or activities.

Saying that the Taiwan people generally lack sufficient knowledge about the United Nations because the country has been barred from U.N.-related meetings and activities since 1971, Chang said declaring Oct. 24 as "Taiwan United Nations Day" will help call the people's attention to the United Nations.

The day - the anniversary of the coming into force of the Charter of the United Nations - is celebrated internationally as United Nations Day.

The country has tried without success since 1993 to have the United Nations consider the issue of its representation.