[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22038]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   A TRIBUTE TO THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 10, 2000

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the enormous 
strides that Taiwan has made in becoming a full democracy. Mr. Chen 
Shui-bian was recently elected president through free and fair 
elections. With Mr. Chen's election, Taiwan continues to refine its 
democracy by improving safeguards for human rights and contributing to 
the international community.
  Unfortunately, Taiwan's efforts to participate in international 
organizations have often been thwarted for political reasons beyond 
Taiwan's control. It is unreasonable for the people of Taiwan to be 
excluded from full participation in international institutions due to 
threats from mainland China. Denying Taiwan membership in the United 
Nations and other international organizations, such as the World Health 
Organization, obstructs access to important international resources.
  The people of Taiwan have proven that freedom and democracy are not 
just American ideals; they are universal principles that apply to every 
individual, to every community and every nation.

                          ____________________