[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 12440]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN

  (Mr. SESSIONS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to congratulate Taiwan 
President Chen on his third anniversary in office.
  Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a close relationship with 
each other for more than 50 years, both economically and politically. I 
hope that in the very near future we will increase trade opportunities 
with Taiwan by launching trade negotiations on a free trade agreement 
with Taiwan. America must let all countries know that we firmly stand 
behind the Taiwan Relations Act and that we believe that a peaceful 
solution is the only answer to the so-called Taiwan issue.
  I also strongly support Taiwan's democratization at home and its 
campaign to join international organizations abroad. Taiwan is a strong 
ally of ours which stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States 
after 9/11. To Taiwan and President Chen I say, America appreciates 
your friendship and partnership.

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