[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PRESIDENT LEE TENG-HUI AND THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, President Lee Teng-hui of the Republic of 
China has been named as one of four nominees for the 1998 Nobel Peace 
Prize. This is not only an honor for President Lee himself, but also a 
direct acknowledgment of his contributions to Taiwan and the world.
  In the past ten years, President Lee has successfully presided over a 
``quiet revolution'' in Taiwan. Taiwan has emerged from its 
authoritarian past to become a free and prosperous country. Taiwan is 
the world's fourteenth largest economy and has an annual per capital 
income of $12,000, forty times that of mainland China.
  Long ostracized from regional organizations, Taiwan is now active in 
the Asian Development Bank and has joined the Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation group. On the political front, the parliament has been 
overhauled; several major political parties have developed; 
restrictions on the press have been lifted; and people have the right 
to demonstrate and protest against government policies.
  President Lee is a voice for peace in the evolving relationship 
between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. He has repeatedly urged his 
counterparts in Beijing to sit down and discuss all issues regarding 
the eventual reunification of Taiwan and the mainland.
  President Lee's dream is to see a new China, a country that is free, 
democratic, and prosperous. In the meantime, he has rejected the ``one 
country, two systems'' arrangement suggested by the communists on the 
mainland. The fact is that China is divided and has two governments, 
just as Germany and Vietnam were divided in the past and Korea is still 
today.
  No one can doubt President Lee's genuine desire to see a reunified 
China. Meanwhile, let's give him our support and wish him success in 
winning the Nobel Peace Prize and the hearts and minds of his 
counterparts in Beijing.
  A reunified China under the principles of freedom, democracy, and 
human rights is the dream of all Chinese people. And that, 
incidentally, is my dream for them as well, as the people on Taiwan 
prepare to celebrate their National Day on Saturday.

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