[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2140-E2141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF THE INAUGURATION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PACIFIC UNION (DPU)

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members 
of the Democratic Pacific Union. On the 60th anniversary of the end of 
World War II (August 14, 2005), the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU) was 
formally inaugurated in Taipei, Taiwan. The ceremony drew 76 
dignitaries from 23 countries, including the presidents and vice 
presidents of Taiwan, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Palau. The 
Union's goal is to promote democracy and encourage contacts among its 
28 member democracies. Taiwan Vice President Lu Hsiu-lien was elected 
Chair of the Union.
  Since its inception, the Union has established a Secretariat and 
published its first quarterly, planned regular regional meetings in the 
East and the West Pacific regions, initiated the Pacific Economic 
Advisory Group and the Pacific Congressional Caucus, and additionally 
established a training program for typhoon and flood disaster 
reduction. The DPU has offered scholarships to students of member 
states to study in Taiwan, planned a Pacific university network in 
Taiwan, and invited distinguished women to come to Taiwan to discuss 
women's issues in the Pacific region. Other initiatives have been 
introduced to promote democratic values and prosperity among member 
states.
  There is little question that the Democratic Pacific Union has 
achieved a great deal during its short history. Its goals of promoting 
and spreading democracy are laudable and complement with our values. We 
should encourage the leaders of the Democratic Pacific

[[Page E2141]]

Union by endorsing their goals and objectives as well as learning from 
them. I am certain that the Union will attract more members and win 
even greater international recognition in the months and years ahead.

                          ____________________