[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 127 (Tuesday, September 16, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RESOLUTION SUPPORTING UNITED NATIONS MEMBERSHIP FOR TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2003

  Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
calling for Taiwan to become a member of the United Nations.
  The resolution states that it is the sense of Congress that ``(1) 
Taiwan and its 23 million people deserve full and equal membership in 
the United Nations and other international organizations; and (2) the 
United States should take a leading role in gaining international 
support for Taiwan's participation in these organizations.''
  Taiwan, a strong advocate of human rights and fundamental freedoms, 
and a bastion of economic strength, deserves the same privileges as all 
other thriving democracies. With the election of its President, Mr. 
Chen Shui-bian, in a free and fair election in March 2000, Taiwan 
continues to strengthen its democracy by improving safeguards for human 
rights and contributing to the international community.
  Taiwan was driven out of the United Nations in 1971 and, since then, 
has continually tried to regain admission. The People's Republic of 
China (PRC) has blocked those efforts. The PRC, one of the five 
permanent Security Council members, which determines new UN membership, 
continually pressures other nations not to support Taiwan's membership.
  The 23 million people of Taiwan have much to contribute, both 
intellectually and financially, to many international organizations, 
including the UN. Clearly, the people of Taiwan should also benefit 
from any positive work these organizations engage in as well.
  It is unreasonable for the people of Taiwan to be excluded from full 
participation in international institutions. Denying Taiwan membership 
in the United Nations and other international organizations, such as 
the World Health Organization, is unacceptable.
  For the past several years, both Houses of the U.S. Congress have 
consistently introduced and passed legislation supporting Taiwan's 
meaningful participation and membership into the United Nations and the 
World Health Organization. This important legislation restates our 
support and our commitment to the progress of Taiwan's democracy.
  I believe that Taiwan's full and equal membership in the United 
Nations and other international organizations is long overdue. Now is 
the time to right the wrong committed in 1971, by granting Taiwan the 
status it deserves.

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