[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1466]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to welcome the much-
anticipated announcement made by the World Health Organization, WHO, on 
July 5th that the country of Taiwan has been removed from the list of 
areas still at risk of further transmission of the disastrous epidemic 
known as SARS.
  My sympathies are extended to the citizens of Taiwan whose lives have 
been transformed in recent months by the fear, devastation and 
uncertainty that has been instilled in those regions where the SARS 
virus has laid its insidious roots. I admire the will and determination 
of the Taiwanese people who have responded to loss of life, economic 
instability, and a strained health system with an admirable show of 
strength and national unity.
  Although we are optimistic that a resurgence of such fearful 
outbreaks will never occur again, it is important that we gain valuable 
lessons from the SARS epidemic in a global context. I anticipate that 
the WHO will abide by the resolution on SARS passed by the World Health 
Assembly on May 28, 2003 to continue cooperating closely with Taiwan.
  The global disease prevention network has proven to be a forceful 
unit in combating and curbing health threats and its devastating 
effects. I trust that after Taiwan's ordeal through SARS, the WHO will 
invite Taiwan to join this cohesive body in order to strengthen and 
invigorate this task force in preparation for future exigency.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the people of Taiwan for 
their extraordinary resilience in battling an epidemic that has brought 
distress and anguish to many parts of the world.

                          ____________________