[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21959]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             NATIONAL DAY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, October 10th marks the National Day of 
the Republic of China (Taiwan). Taiwan's transformation into a vibrant 
democracy has enabled its people to flourish economically and socially. 
Taiwan is now one of the world's leading economic powers and champions 
of human rights and the rule of law.
  To help us celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our friends 
in Taiwan, I urge my colleagues to support Taiwan's latest request that 
the United Nations General Assembly allow Taiwan to participate 
meaningfully in the activities of United Nations specialized agencies. 
I know leaders in Taiwan have worked tirelessly for Taiwan's 
participation in the United Nations. Taiwan's participation in the 
international system is vital to the health and welfare of the people 
of Taiwan and will certainly encourage cross-strait dialogue and will 
promote a permanent peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
  Madam Speaker, congratulations to the people of Taiwan, their 
president, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, and their Washington representative: 
Ambassador Jason Yuan. Ambassador Jason is an experienced diplomat and 
we look forward to his participation in the ongoing friendship and 
alliance between our nations.

                          ____________________