[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      CONGRATULATIONS TO TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN AND HIS NEW CABINET

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                           HON. PHIL ENGLISH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2002

  Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, as Asians all over the world prepare to 
celebrate the lunar New Year, I would like to extend good wishes to all 
my Asian constituents and friends. I would especially like to wish 
Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian and the people of Taiwan good luck in 
this year of the Horse, along with continuing economic success and 
meaningful political reforms.
  Since President Chen's inauguration in May 2000, he has made many 
gestures of good will. This includes encouraging Beijing to start 
meaningful discussions between Taiwan and Chinese mainland on the 
issues separating them. It is my hope that both Taiwan and the Chinese 
mainland will soon begin a dialogue on reunification, leading to a 
peaceful co-existence, hence, maintaining stability and prosperity in 
the Asia-Pacific region.
  Also, I would like to extend my good wishes to President Chen's new 
cabinet. Mr. Yu Skyi-kun has been appointed the new premier. Mr. Yu 
possess a wide range of administrative experience and diplomatic skills 
which will help bring all political factions together. Other top 
cabinet posts includes Dr. Lee Ying-yuan, former deputy representative 
to the United States. In his new role as Secretary-General of the 
Executive Yuan, Dr. Lee will keep relations between the executive and 
the legislative branch working smoothly. Another excellent cabinet 
choice is the new foreign minister Dr. Eugene Chin. Before appointment, 
he was a diplomat and in previous administrations, he was Minister of 
Transportation and of Environmental Protection. Last but not least, my 
best wishes go to Ambassador C.J. Chen. A distinguished career 
diplomat, he is Taiwan's chief representative in Washington. He is 
industrious, courteous, and more importantly, experienced. His 
briefings are crisp, witty, and well-informed. Like many of my 
colleagues on the Hill, I enjoy working with both him and his 
knowledgeable and friendly staff. They are wonderful representatives 
for the Republic of China on Capitol Hill.
  Again, my best wishes in the coming year.

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