[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1125-E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING TAIWAN AND PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2003

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Republic of 
China President Chen Shui-bian on his third anniversary in office and 
for Taiwan's continued support and friendship with the United States.
  Since his election three years ago, President Chen has continued to 
make strides toward full democracy by guaranteeing greater 
constitutional and human rights to the citizens

[[Page E1126]]

of Taiwan. Today, Taiwan is home to more than ninety political parties, 
and virtually every political office is actively contested through free 
and fair elections. In fact, President Chen is a former political 
dissident himself. Taiwan's constitution guarantees its citizens 
extensive political, personal and religious freedoms. Further, 
President Chen has committed Taiwan to many international human rights 
treaties.
  Under President Chen's strong leadership, Taiwan has remained true to 
its democratic values and has continued to be a model for its neighbors 
in the region. But as the Taiwanese people celebrate the third 
anniversary of their President's election, they also are struggling to 
contain the recent outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or 
SARS, in their country. The SARS outbreak is a good demonstration of 
what Secretary of State Colin Powell said recently--that the deadly 
virus recognizes no international borders. Taiwan is a part of the 
world that has been deeply affected by SARS and needs to play its 
proper role in preventing further spread of the virus. For these 
reasons, Taiwan urgently needs representation in the WHO.
  I also strongly support Taiwan's democratization at home and its 
campaign to join international organizations abroad. Taiwan is a strong 
ally which stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States after the 
events of September 11, 2001. We in the United States Congress 
appreciate Taiwan's support for our nation--a solid partnership that 
has endured for many years.
  Taiwan is making significant contributions to the international 
community and I know that our bilateral relations will only grow 
stronger in the coming years. Again, congratulations to President Chen 
and to the people of Taiwan.

                          ____________________