[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SUPPORT FOR TAIWAN'S ASPIRATION TO BECOME UNITED NATIONS MEMBER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for Taiwan 
in its aspiration to become a member of the United Nations (UN). Taiwan 
has all the qualifications: a sound political system, a much-admired 
economy, and a genuine desire to maintain peace and prosperity in East 
Asia and the world.
  Being the world's 17th largest economy, Taiwan will most certainly be 
able to carry out all United Nations Charter obligations. Taiwan's 
economic model is especially valuable for developing nations. Taiwan 
has always been willing to share this experience with the world by 
contributing to multilateral aid programs. Taiwan's efforts to help 
other countries would be much more effective if they could be 
coordinated with international efforts sponsored by the UN and its 
specialized agencies. Perhaps one of the best reasons for supporting 
Taiwan's membership in the United Nations is that Taiwan is willing and 
anxious to be a full contributing member of the United Nations.
  Also, with membership in the United Nations, Taiwan will be able to 
incorporate itself into the international system of human rights 
protection, abide by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the 
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Vienna 
Declaration and Program of Action. It is heartening to know Taiwan's 
commitment to human rights is very serious by establishing a National 
Human Rights Commission in accordance with the principles outlined by 
the UN.
  Taiwan has been denied a voice in the United Nations for too long. I 
urge my colleagues to support Taiwan, our friend and ally, on their 
latest bid to return to the United Nations.

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