[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2004

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, with 80.2% of voters participating in 
Taiwan's recent Presidential election, I congratulate the country's 23 
million citizens for once again demonstrating the strength and vibrancy 
of their democracy.
  The very close margin of victory calls for a recount, and impassioned 
protests are not unfamiliar to voters in our own country who 
experienced the aftermath of the 2000 Presidential election. We know 
that protection of free expression and other personal freedoms are 
signs of a healthy democracy.
  As Taiwan's democratic society has grown strong, its citizens have 
prospered. The transformation of Taiwan from an impoverished backwater 
into an industrial powerhouse, and from a one party dictatorship into a 
multiparty democracy is among the most impressive economic and 
political accomplishments of our time.
  I send my congratulations to the people of Taiwan on the completion 
of their third direct presidential election.

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