[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23259]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN ON THEIR NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 2004

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, today I join my colleagues in honoring 
the people of Taiwan on the occasion of their October 10 National Day.
  With a flourishing democracy and a thriving economy, the people of 
Taiwan have much to be proud of.
  Taiwan's economy is the 16th largest in the world with a democracy 
that gives its people a full range of political and civil rights, 
including freedom of speech and assembly.
  Taiwan is also a key player in the international arena.
  For the last 10 years, Taiwan has given $100 million dollars to 78 
countries and is now providing humanitarian assistance to refugees in 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, is the fact that the people of Taiwan 
and of America share the same values of democracy, freedom and liberty.
  As the Secretary of State, Colin Powell, recently stated that 
``Taiwan has become a resilient economy, a vibrant democracy and a 
generous contributor to the international community.''
  Mr. Speaker, in a festive and joyful spirit I warmly congratulate the 
people of Taiwan, and their Representative, Dr. David Lee, on their 
National Day and wish them every success.