[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



[[Page E 1421]]


                 RECOGNITION OF PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI

                                 ______


                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 1995
  Mr. THOMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of President 
Lee Teng-hui. Following many months of congressional support, President 
Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of China on Taiwan was allowed the 
opportunity to give the Olin lecture at Cornell University on June 9, 
1995. He spoke of his student days at Cornell and especially of the 
many accomplishments of his country.
  President Lee touched upon Taiwan's economic triumphs, political 
reforms, respect for human rights and prospects for reunification with 
the Chinese mainland. He remarked:

       Today, the institutions of democracy are in place in the 
     Republic of China; human rights are respected and protected 
     to a very high degree. Democracy is thriving in my country. 
     No speech or act allowed by law will be subject to any 
     restriction or interference. Different and opposing views are 
     heard every day in the news media. * * * Thus the needs and 
     wishes of my people have been my guiding light every step of 
     the way. I only hope that the leaders in the mainland are 
     able one day to be similarly guided, since then our 
     achievements in Taiwan can most certainly help the process of 
     economic liberalization and the cause of democracy in 
     mainland China.

  President Lee delivered an outstanding lecture at Cornell University. 
His heart was always with his country and with his people. President 
Lee extended his love to his Chinese compatriots on the Chinese 
mainland:

       We believe that mutual respect will gradually lead to the 
     peaceful reunification of China under a system of democracy, 
     freedom and equitable distribution of wealth. * * * To 
     demonstrate our sincerity and goodwill, I have already 
     indicated on other occasions that I would welcome an 
     opportunity for leaders from the mainland to meet their 
     counterparts from Taiwan during the occasion of some 
     international event, and I would not even rule out the 
     possibility of a meeting between Mr. Jiang Zemin and myself.

  I believe President Lee is absolutely sincere in reaching out to the 
leaders in Beijing. I too hope that Taiwan and the mainland will one 
day end their ideological struggles and be reunited as one free 
democratic country. Thank you.


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