[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO TAIWANESE PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2003

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
leadership demonstrated by Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian. During 
his three years in office, President Chen has worked diligently to 
strengthen the friendship between Taiwan and the United States. I have 
had the privilege meeting with President Chen in the United States and 
in Taiwan. The relationship between our countries stands as a great 
example of the cooperation and understanding that can be reached 
between two nations that share the goals of fostering democracy and 
human rights, protecting the world against terrorism, and expanding the 
global economy through trade.
  We are extremely grateful for the friendship and support Taiwan has 
extended us during our own country's very difficult times. President 
Chen immediately and publicly lent his country's unwavering support to 
the War on Terrorism. Taiwan has also agreed to devote financial 
resources and other humanitarian assistance to the recently freed 
peoples of Afghanistan and Iraq.
  As Taiwan and Asia experience the threat of SARS, we see how critical 
it is to admit Taiwan (or at least allow it observer status) into the 
World Health Organization (WHO). While some nations suppressed 
information about this outbreak, Taiwan reported freely on it and 
offered to work with WHO in combating SARS. The 23 million people of 
Taiwan ought to be included in the international medical community's 
efforts to control infectious diseases and the world not deprived of 
the benefits Taiwan can offer it.
  Mr. Speaker, under this President's guidance, Taiwan's vibrant 
democracy has continued to thrive, human rights have been safeguarded, 
and freedom of the press has never been stronger. For these reasons I 
urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating President Chen.

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