[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JAMES C. GREENWOOD

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2004

  Mr. GREENWOOD. Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary 
of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (April 10), I wish to 
congratulate the people of Taiwan. For the last quarter century, the 
Taiwan Relations Act has been the cornerstone of the U.S. relationship 
with Taiwan. It has enabled Taiwan to move from an authoritarian state 
to a full democracy and has provided the people of Taiwan with the 
tools necessary to achieve the highest standards of living.
  Taiwan has now completed its third ever direct presidential election. 
Even though incumbent President Chen Shui-bian won a razor thin victory 
over his opponent, Taiwan's latest presidential election has 
demonstrated to the world that the people of Taiwan have exercised 
their democratic right through a remarkable 80 percent voter turnout.
  Let us hope that in the days and months ahead Taiwan President Chen 
will use the power of his office to lead Taiwan's 23 million people, 
and that peace and stability will continue to prevail in the Taiwan 
Strait for the next 25 years and beyond.
  In the meantime I wish to salute Taiwan Ambassador C.J. Chen, who 
will be returning to Taipei next month. He has served Taiwan well as 
his country's top diplomat in Washington during the last 4 years. He 
and his wife Yolanda will be missed by their friends in Washington.

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