Washington, DC - U.S. Representative Sam Gejdenson (D-CT) made the following statement concerning a possible meeting with Taiwanese President Chen:

"As the Ranking Member of the House International Relations Committee, I hope and expect to meet with President Chen in Los Angeles. President Chen can provide us all with a unique perspective on developments in the Asia Pacific region including mainland China. This is a private meeting between President Chen and lawmakers and I don't believe that the State Department should attempt to shut off this dialogue."