[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 129 (Friday, October 4, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S BID TO RETURN TO THE UNITED NATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 3, 2002

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support Taiwan's bid to 
return to the United Nations. It is my understanding that a number of 
member-states have renewed their request that the UN General Assembly 
reconsider this legitimate and timely request. Taiwan is a vibrant 
multiparty democracy that serves as a beacon of hope to East Asia's 
population--most of which lives under the tyranny of authoritarian 
regimes. As the world's oldest and most enduring democracy, the United 
States has an obligation to voice its strong support for Taiwan's 23 
million people to be represented in the UN. In just five decades, 
Taiwan has transformed herself into an established democracy as well as 
one of East Asia's economic ``Tigers.'' It is inconceivable to me that 
a peaceful, democratic member of the international community has not 
yet been offered membership to the UN. Taiwan is a peace-loving country 
that embraces the core values of democracy--liberty, justice, the rule 
of law and respect for basic human rights. Moreover, Taiwan is willing 
and able to carry out all UN Charter duties and obligations. With 
respect to the Chinese mainland, Taiwan has repeatedly sought a 
peaceful settlement to the political issues of concern to both 
countries. In recognizing Taiwan's peaceful intentions, the UN must 
encourage a dialogue between the two countries. Indeed, granting Taiwan 
UN membership would be an important first step toward permanent peace 
and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I urge my colleagues to support 
Taiwan's bid to return to the United Nations.

                          ____________________