[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2124]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON DEMOCRACY AND CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DIANE E. WATSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, an international symposium on democracy and 
congress will be held in Taipei, Taiwan from December 8 through 
December 10. The symposium is sponsored by Democratic Pacific Union 
(DPU). DPU is a Taipei-based non-governmental organization founded in 
2005. Its goal is to enhance dialogues and exchanges among members of 
parliaments from countries around the Pacific Rim.
  This year's symposium will include participants from Chile, Republic 
of the Philippines, El Salvador, Honduras, Tuvalu, Canada, New Zealand, 
Australia, Malaysia, the United States, and Republic of China. The 
symposium's agenda will include panel discussions on the legislative 
process, presidential systems, congressional elections, and other 
parliamentary issues.
  Mr. Speaker, the symposium will also enable U.S. participants to 
learn more about Taiwan, our unique bilateral relationship, and 
regional issues of common interest. I strongly urge my colleagues to 
support the symposium and to attend the symposium, if at all possible.
  I offer my best wishes and congratulations to Taiwan Vice President 
Annette Lu who has been the driving force behind this international 
symposium on democracy and congress.

                          ____________________