[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 111 (Thursday, July 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT URGES GREATER RECOGNITION FOR TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 1996

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, on July 18, the European Parliament adopted 
a resolution urging its member states to support greater representation 
for the Republic of China on Taiwan in international organizations.
  The resolution is a proper recognition of the great strides that the 
people of Taiwan have made toward democracy and respect for human 
rights over the past several years. This progress stands in stark 
contrast to the continuing tyrannical and aggressive behavior of the 
Communist Chinese regime in Beijing.
  Since Taiwan, and not Communist China, represents the best model for 
the future of Chinese civilization, it is my sincere hope that the 
world community will follow the advice of this resolution, which I 
would like to insert for the Record.

                        The European Parliament

       Having regard to Article J.7 of the Treaty on European 
     Union,
       A. Satisfied with the current state of Taiwan's democracy 
     and Taiwan's respect for the principles of justice, human 
     rights and fundamental freedom,
       B. Welcoming the fact that the elections in Taiwan were 
     conducted democratically and peacefully despite the overt 
     aggression and provocation by the People's Republic of China,
       C. Having regard to Taiwan's wish to participate in 
     international aid to developing countries,
       D. Having regard to the significance of developments in the 
     political situation in Taiwan for the whole of East Asia at a 
     geopolitical and economic level and in terms of a policy of 
     stability, security and peace in the Western Pacific region,
       E. Welcoming the attitude of reconciliation displayed by 
     President Lee Teng-hui towards the People's Republic of China 
     and looking forward to a dialogue spanning both sides of the 
     Taiwan Straits,
       F. Convinced that the people of Taiwan ought to be better 
     represented in international organizations than they are at 
     present, which would benefit both Taiwan and the whole of the 
     international community,
       G. Whereas neither the European Union nor any of its 
     Members States have diplomatic relations with the Government 
     of Taiwan, recognizing only the People's Republic of China,
       H. Whereas Taiwan is very important to the European Union 
     and its Members States as a trade partner,
       I. Whereas it is important for the European Union and its 
     Members States to develop their relations with the 
     governments of both the People's Republic of China and Taiwan 
     in an amicable and constructive spirit,
       J. Urging the governments of the People's Republic of China 
     and Taiwan to intensify their cooperation,
       K. Stressing that participation by Taiwan in certain 
     international organizations can assist with finding common 
     ground between China and Taiwan and facilitate reconciliation 
     between the two sides,
       L. Regretting the fact that Taiwan at present is prevented 
     from making a full contribution to the United Nations and its 
     agencies, and stressing that, for the efficiency of the UN, 
     Taiwan's participation would be desirable and valuable,
       1. Urges:
       (a) The Council and Member States to support Taiwan's 
     attempts to secure better representation that it currently 
     enjoys in international organizations in the field of human 
     and labour rights, economic affairs, the environment and 
     development cooperation following the precedent of certain 
     cases, known to international law, of countries recognized as 
     independent and sovereign even though the nature of their 
     diplomatic connections and the person of then head of state 
     did not display the full symbolic panoply of complete 
     sovereignty (e.g., Her Britannic Majesty's Dominions, 
     American Samoa, or, until recently, the Ukraine and Belarus);
       (b) The Council and Member States to ask the United Nations 
     to investigate the possibility of setting up a UN working 
     group to study the scope for Taiwan to participate in the 
     activities of bodies answerable to the UN General Assembly;
       (c) The Council and Member States to encourage the 
     governments of the People's Republic of China and Taiwan to 
     intensify their cooperation in a constructive and peaceful 
     spirit;
       (d) The Council to Urge the Commission to adopt measures 
     with a view to opening a European Union information office in 
     Taipei;
       2. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to 
     the Council and to the Commission.

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