[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN, THE HONORABLE LEE TENG-HUI

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                       HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our colleagues in the 
United States Congress and our great Nation, I want to take this 
opportunity to extend to the President of Taiwan, the Honorable Lee 
Teng-Hui, our deepest congratulations on his third anniversary in 
office, which shall be celebrated tomorrow, May 20th.
  Mr. Speaker, President Lee is to be commended for his astute 
leadership of the affairs of Taiwan, which is reflected by Taiwan's 
enviable position of prosperity and stability as it prepared to enter 
the 21st century.
  While much of the Asia-Pacific region is still mired in the turbulent 
winds of the Asian financial crisis. Taiwan's economy has weathered the 
storm remarkably well. In the last three years, President Lee's 
policies have directly contributed to steady economic growth in Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, President Lee is to be further commended for expending 
Taiwan's substantive relations with countries in the international 
community. Taiwan is too important of an economic force to be relegated 
into political isolation. to that effect, President Lee must be 
credited with recently establishing diplomatic ties with the nation of 
Macedonia.
  I am also encouraged, Mr. Speaker, that President Lee has 
acknowledged the critical importance of Maintaining positive relations 
with the People's Republic of China. In recognition of that vital goal, 
President Lee has strongly supported continuing the Cross-Strait 
Dialogue with the PRC. This dialogue is crucial for resolving 
misunderstandings between Beijing and Taipei and Washington, and is of 
fundamental importance in maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan 
Strait and for all of Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of the United States have been and will 
always be close friends of the good people of Taiwan. At this 
auspicious time celebrating the third anniversary of President Lee's 
tenure in office, let us all join in wishing President Lee and the 
people of Taiwan continued good health, peace and prosperity in the 
years ahead.

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