[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN FOR SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF 
  PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND REAFFIRMING UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD 
                 TAIWAN AND PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2000

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 292. 
On March 18th the people of Taiwan went to the polls for only the 
second time in their history to elect a national president. The U.S. 
has been stalwart in its support of democracies throughout the world 
and it is only fitting for Congress to congratulate Chen Shui-bian and 
the people of Taiwan for upholding democracy in the elections. In their 
first transfer of power, the voters have spoken and voiced their 
support for Mr. Chen.
  Holding an olive branch on election night, Mr. Chen stated his desire 
to invigorate negotiations with mainland China. A peaceful resolution 
that will preserve democracy in Taiwan must be pursued. I urge the 
Chinese government to reconsider its rejection of Mr. Chen's proposed 
peace summit.
  China and Taiwan have a unique opportunity to showcase their economic 
strength in the region. If negotiations are stifled, the economic 
future of both countries will remain uncertain but political stability 
will determine their success in the new economy.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Chen and his party for their historic 
victory and urge him to continue on the road to peace and ask my 
colleagues to join me.

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