[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 79 (Thursday, May 21, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING TAIWAN ON ITS PARTICIPATION AS AN OBSERVER IN THE 62ND 
                         WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 21, 2009

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, as the 62nd World Health Assembly convenes in 
Geneva this week, I rise to congratulate Taiwan's participation as an 
observer. This occasion is a significant milestone for Taiwan because 
it marks the first time since withdrawing from the United Nations 38 
years ago that Taiwan is rejoining a United Nations-related body as an 
observer.
  I have been a longtime supporter of Taiwan's meaningful participation 
in the World Health Organization. The outbreaks of SARS, avian 
influenza, and most recently, the H1N1 flu, have made it clear that 
public health problems know no borders. With the great potential for 
the spread of infectious diseases across countries and continents, it 
is critical that all parts of the world, including Taiwan, be given the 
opportunity to participate in international health cooperation forums 
and programs.
  In 2004, Congress demonstrated unequivocal support for Taiwan's 
participation in the World Health Organization by enacting Public Law 
108-235, which authorized the secretary of state to initiate and 
implement a plan to endorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan at 
the annual World Health Assembly. I applaud this year's decision to 
finally grant Taiwan a seat at the table of this critical global health 
forum. May this occasion mark the beginning of Taiwan's growing 
involvement in other international organizations.

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