[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 133 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JOHN ABNEY CULBERSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2007

  Mr. CULBERSON.  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Taiwan's 
decision to apply for admittance to the United Nations. I urge the 
Administration and the Secretary General to reconsider their positions 
and accept Taiwan, a sovereign and democratically elected government, 
as a peer in the international community.
  For over 50 years, Taiwan has been a flourishing, independent and 
sovereign government in the developing world and Southeast Asia. Taiwan 
has developed a world-class democracy, serving as a model for countries 
in the region. The people of Taiwan inspire others in Southeast Asia 
and around the world who desire freedom and prosperity. America should 
stand with our friends who engage in peaceful democracy and Taiwan 
deserves our support.
  Taiwan has all the qualifications for a sovereign state as laid out 
in the ``Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States.'' 
Taiwan has a permanent population, a recognized and defined territory, 
government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states, 
including 23 members of the UN. Under Article 4 of the UN Charter, 
Taiwan clearly has the right to apply for membership. The Secretary 
General should allow Taiwan to present its case to the General Assembly 
and allow a vote to proceed.
  Taiwan plays an important role in the international community because 
of its democratic and economic success. Other nations are benefiting 
from Taiwan's access to markets and technology. It defies logic and the 
principle of fairness that the Taiwanese people and government are not 
given the same voice as everyone else throughout the world.
  In petitioning the UN for membership under the name Taiwan, President 
Chen Shui-bian is dutifully responding to the sentiments of his people, 
of which three-quarters support applying for UN membership under the 
name of Taiwan. This is a responsible decision by the government and 
not a new initiative. The government in Taipei has been petitioning for 
UN membership since 1993.
  In closing, Madam Speaker, I urge this body to stand with our friends 
and allies in Taiwan. I hope you will join me in supporting strong 
democracy in the world by supporting Taiwan's bid for membership to the 
United Nations.

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