[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN SUPPORT OF TAIWAN'S BID FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE WORLD HEALTH 
                              ORGANIZATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2007

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, for years now, Taiwan has had no 
representation in the World Health Organization (WHO). The health 
rights of Taiwan's 23 million people have been grossly neglected. As a 
democracy, the Government of Taiwan is compelled to respect the wishes 
of its people and apply for membership into the WHO. Also, Taiwan would 
like to be invited to send observers to sessions of the World Health 
Assembly this May.
  I support Taiwan's bid to be a member of the WHO. Taiwan's bid is 
closely related to its campaign for World Health Assembly observer 
status and meaningful participation in World Health Organization 
activities. The health rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people must 
be respected. Moreover, Taiwan is willing and able to contribute to the 
world health network. As of December 2006, Taiwan had 32 technical 
missions stationed in 29 partner countries and dispatched 16 mobile 
medical missions to 12 countries. It is conceivable that with a 
membership in the WHO, Taiwan will be able to contribute even more of 
its resources to the global health network.
  Several years ago, Taiwan was gripped in crisis with the outbreak of 
SARS. Since Taiwan was not a member of the WHO, Taiwan encountered a 
significant amount of red-tape in getting WHO assistance to the 
affected areas during its urgent time of need during the SARS crisis. 
Should there ever be a new medical crisis in Taiwan, the WHO should be 
free of all barriers in assisting people in urgent need of immediate 
medical attention.
  Madam Speaker, Taiwan's application for WHO membership in the name of 
Taiwan does not represent any change of Taiwan's status quo. Taiwan is 
most commonly known as ``Taiwan'' internationally and the Government of 
Taiwan has made it absolutely clear that it has no intention of 
changing its national name. Taiwan's Constitution has not been changed.
  I hope that the administration will once again enthusiastically 
support Taiwan's application and that no government will dispute 
Taiwan's membership request. All nations, especially the United States, 
Japan, and major European countries, should request the WHO to make 
appropriate arrangements for Taiwan to participate in WHO's mechanisms 
or at the very least grant Taiwan WHA observer status this May.

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