[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E495]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMENDING THE TAIWAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 31, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the voters in Taiwan, an 
astounding 80 percent of whom participated in the recent Presidential 
election, for once again demonstrating their commitment to exercising 
their democratic rights.
  Taiwan's political system has undergone dramatic changes. Fifty years 
ago the country was ruled by an authoritarian dictatorship under 
martial law. Today it is a vibrant, multi-party democracy, having 
completed its third direct Presidential election. Taiwan has robust 
political parties with free and fair elections at all levels of 
government.
  The margin of the Presidential victory in Taiwan was very small. 
However, recount issues and open demonstrations were part of the 
democratic process in which free expression is revered and protected. 
These impassioned times are the tests of true democracies.
  Taiwan and the United States share a strong bond in their commitment 
to the ideals of a free society. Taiwanese-Americans, many living in 
the New York City area, are a vital part of that relationship. The 
Taiwanese-American community, which numbers in the hundreds of 
thousands, is actively engaged in our own political system, and its 
citizens are enthusiastically involved in the betterment of local 
communities across our country.
  As we hope for dialogue and stability in cross-strait relations, we 
can also hope that one day the people of mainland China will be able to 
select their own leaders by democratic means.
  Today, I commend the people of Taiwan for embracing democratic ideals 
and providing an important symbol of freedom in the Asia-Pacific 
region.

                          ____________________