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Both
Houses of Congress Introduce Legislation Welcoming Taiwan’s
President to the U.S.
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FAPA Press Release---May, 15, 2001
Members
in both the House and the Senate introduced resolutions
today extending a warm welcome to Taiwan's President Chen
Shui-bian, requesting that Chen "communicate to
the people of Taiwan the support of the U.S. Congress and
of the American people," and recognizing the visit
as a "significant step towards broadening and deepening
the friendship and cooperation between the United States
and Taiwan." Senators Robert Torricelli (D-NJ),
Jesse Helms (R-NC) and Frank Murkowski (R-AK) submitted
the resolution in the Senate, while 37 Representatives co-sponsored
the House resolution.
Noting
the more than fifty years of close relationship between
the U.S. and Taiwan "which has been of enormous
economic, cultural and strategic advantage to both countries,"
the resolutions noted Taiwan's "improved record
on human rights" and "commitment to the democratic
ideals of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and free
and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty system."
The
resolutions noted the election of Chen Shui-bian on March
18, 2000 as clear evidence of the great changes Taiwan has
undergone and state that "the United States and
Taiwan share common ideals and a vision for the 21st
century, where freedom and democracy are the strongest foundations
for peace and prosperity."
In their
Dear Colleague letter soliciting co-sponsors for the resolution,
Reps. Bob Schaffer (R-CO) and Peter Deutsch (D-FL) argued,
"It is in our national interest to communicate directly
with elected and appointed top officials of Taiwan, including
its democratically elected president. We should capitalize
on e very opportunity for dialogue with Taiwanese leadership."
"Current
restrictions on high-level Taiwan officials visiting America
do not give President Chen the respect he deserves as a
leader of a vital ally. Restrictions on Taiwanese officials
must be reduced and ultimately lifted."
FAPA
President Wen-yen Chen, Ph.D. says: "It is very
rare that both Houses of Congress introduce resolutions
welcoming the head of a state of a foreign country. So it
is a big honor for President Chen to be welcomed in this
way. These two resolutions add to the momentum of President
Chen meeting with Members of Congress when in New York and
Houston."
Rep.
Bob Schaffer states: "This resolution is about standing
beside Taiwan at a critical juncture. It is about showing
support for this important Asian democracy and its free-market
system. Simply put, a democratic and independent Taiwan
bolsters the cause of freedom around the world and provides
stability to other countries in the region fighting their
own systems of democracy."
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