[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 70 (Tuesday, May 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E896]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN AND PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 18, 2004

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send my best wishes 
and warm congratulations to the people of Taiwan for having 
successfully concluded their most recent presidential election.
  As the people of Taiwan prepare to inaugurate their incumbent 
President, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, I salute them and the democratic 
endeavor that we have recently witnessed.
  In the last 4 years, under the leadership of President Chen Shui-
bian, Taiwan has continued to prosper.
  It has one of the strongest economies in the world and its people 
enjoy unprecedented prosperity. Taiwan has solid schools, a good 
transportation system, and sound medical care for its citizens. 
Furthermore, the people of Taiwan enjoy political freedoms, such as 
direct elections, a free press, and human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Taiwan have every right to be proud of 
their presidential election.
  I look forward to working with Mr. Chen's new administrative team in 
the next 4 years and beyond. Taiwan and the United States are truly 
friends and this relationship is stronger now than at any other time.
  Americans and the people of Taiwan are also allies in the war on 
terrorism. Moreover, we share an abiding concern about peace and 
stability in the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan's participation in world 
organizations, such as the World Health Organization.
  Congratulations again to the people of Taiwan and President Chen 
Shui-bian.

                          ____________________