[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 132 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE DEMOCRATIC PACIFIC UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JULIA CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I salute the Democratic Pacific Union which 
was formally inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan on May 14, 2005, the 60th 
anniversary of the end of World War II. Notable guests at the inaugural 
ceremony included presidents of Taiwan, Costa Rica and Guatemala as 
well as vice presidents of Taiwan, Nicaragua and Palau. The goals of 
the Union are to integrate resources in the pan-Pacific region for 
joint development and regional cooperation and to promote democracy, 
peace and prosperity among DPU member democracies.
  Since May of 2005, the Union has established a Secretariat, published 
its first quarterly, planned West Pacific regional meetings, formed a 
Pacific economic advisory group, and initiated the Pacific 
Congressional Caucus project. The project seeks to bring congressional 
and parliamentary members of DPU together to promote exchange and 
cooperation among lawmakers throughout DPU member countries. The Taiwan 
Chapter of the Pacific Congressional Caucus was inaugurated on May 20, 
2006 and convened by the Speaker of Taiwan's Legislature Yuan.
  My commendations also to the Taiwan Chapter of the Pacific 
Congressional Caucus. The Chapter will sponsor a symposium on 
congressional reforms December 8-10, 2006, in Taipei, Taiwan. 
Legislative members of the DPU, member states and U.S. Members of 
Congress have been graciously invited to attend this symposium either 
as participants or observers. I hope that my colleagues will find time 
to attend this very important event in Taipei and lend our 
encouragement and support to The Pacific Congressional Caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I also commend the Union for its goals, achievements, 
and initiations which include a training program on hazard mitigation 
on typhoon-related disasters held May 8-12, 2006 in Taiwan. The DPU has 
also established a 2006 fellowship and scholarship program providing 
funds for students from DPU member states to attend universities in 
Taiwan. Another significant achievement for this young organization is 
an invitation to distinguished women from member states to attend 
meetings in Taiwan to identify and address gender issues and problems 
women face in the Pacific region. The DPU has also invited political 
experts to observe elections in Taiwan; and established the Pacific 
Center for Disaster Reduction in Taipei.




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