[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 155 (Saturday, September 27, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TAIWAN DESERVES PARTICIPATION

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that on August 
14, seventeen of Republic of China's diplomatic allies requested that 
the United Nations General Assembly include a supplementary item in the 
agenda of the 63rd session to ``examine the fundamental rights of the 
23 million people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to participate 
meaningfully in the activities of the United Nations specialized 
agencies.''
   I join my colleagues on the Hill in voicing my support for Taiwan's 
request. Taiwan has been denied participation in the conferences, 
mechanisms and conventions of the United Nations and the specialized 
agencies since 1971, thereby creating a major breach in the operations 
of the United Nations system. This has been a gross injustice that 
needs to be corrected. Taiwanese people deserve a voice in the UN 
specialized agencies for a number of reasons. Taiwan's population is 
larger than two thirds of the UN member states. Taiwan has a vibrant 
economy. Taiwan is a democracy. Taiwan wants to provide a positive 
feedback to the international community. Taiwan's meaningful 
participation in the specialized agencies would help promote peace and 
cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
   Madam Speaker, the tension cross the Taiwan straits has been eased 
since May 2008, and leaders of Taiwan and the People's Republic have 
shown a willingness to settle their dispute. This thawing of relations 
has been warmly welcomed by the international community. It is my hope 
that the PRC will favorably respond to Taiwan's request with goodwill 
and flexibility. Only by allowing Taiwan to participate meaningfully in 
the specialized agencies can the UN principle of universality be 
fulfilled and regional peace and prosperity be ensured.

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