[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1001-E1002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB BEAUPREZ

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. BEAUPREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan 
President Chen Shui-bian on his third anniversary in office. Three 
years ago, voters in Taiwan elected Mr. Chen Shui-bian, President of 
the Republic of China on Taiwan, which marks the first successful and 
peaceful transition of power in Taiwan's history. Now in the year 2003, 
President Chen continues to make strides towards ensuring a robust 
democracy by guaranteeing the Taiwanese people freedom of speech and 
fundamental human rights.
  Many events have transpired in Taiwan since President Chen Shui-bian 
has taken office. Over the last three years, President Chen has sought 
a meaningful dialogue and maintained a positive interaction with China. 
Unfortunately China has ignored President Chen's gestures of goodwill 
and has continued to deploy missiles along the coastal provinces aimed 
at Taiwan. It is my hope the leadership in China will realize that 
peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is in everyone's best 
interest.
  Taiwan has also endured the outbreak of the alarming disease Severe 
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). I wish Taiwan's government and 
people every success in their endeavor to fight vigorously in order to 
control further spread of the SARS disease. As Secretary Powell said 
recently, SARS recognizes no international borders. Taiwan has made 
significant achievements in the field of healthcare and its medical 
experts have the potential to greatly contribute to the science of 
health. That said, Taiwan shouldn't be ruled out from the World Health 
Organization mainly due to political concern or obstruction.
  We in the U.S. Congress appreciate Taiwan's friendship and support 
over the years. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, 
Taiwan has offered assistance in helping the United States fight global 
terrorism. At the conclusion of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Taiwan 
government issued a statement supporting the Coalition of the Willing's 
cause and pledging to offer humanitarian assistance to postwar Iraq, 
just as they graciously did in the case of Afghanistan. Taiwan's 
generosity is welcomed and I look forward to a strong relationship with 
Taiwan for many years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, on the eve of President Chen's third anniversary in 
office, I join my

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colleagues in wishing President Chen all the best.

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