[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24994]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
belatedly mark the occasion of Taiwan's National Day, October 10, 2003. 
It nonetheless gives me great pleasure to report that Taiwan is a 
thriving democracy that guarantees and protects essential human rights 
of all its citizens.
  Taiwan stands as a remarkable testament to what humankind is capable 
of when freedom and democracy combine to fuel the economic engine. Even 
with only 23 million citizens, Taiwan remains one of Asia's strongest 
economic ``tigers''. With the world's 17th largest economy and the 
world's 15th largest trade volume, Taiwan has made significant 
contributions to the global economy.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan remains a critical U.S. ally, and it is my hope 
that Taiwan will continue to serve as a beacon for freedom and 
democracy throughout East Asia.
  Today I would like to extend my solidarity to the 23 million freedom 
loving citizens of Taiwan and their democratically elected leader, 
President Chen Shui-bian in commemoration of Taiwan's recent National 
Day of celebration.

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