Click here for FAPA's
Press Release
August 1,
2005
Mr. Ma
Ying-jeou
No.11,
Zhongshan S. Road.
Taipei
100, Taiwan
Dear
Chairman Ma:
We write
to congratulate you on your July 16 election as the new chairman
of the Kuomingtang (KMT).
As you
begin your term as chairman, we want to reassure you that the
United States and the American people are fully committed to the
security, prosperity and future of the people of Taiwan. All of
us in the Congressional Taiwan Caucus (CTC) are long-time
friends and supporters of Taiwan and have closely followed
Taiwan's remarkable path towards a flourishing multiparty
democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law.
Mr.
Chairman, we know you value the long-standing relationship
between the United States and Taiwan, a relationship that has
grown stronger in recent years. We now look to you, in the
tradition of past KMT chairmen, to join us in enhancing this
partnership and to strengthen economic, cultural and security
cooperation.
In
particular we urge you, as the new chairman of the KMT, to lead
efforts in Taipei to ensure that the Legislative Yuan quickly
passes a special arms procurement package or increases its
annual defense spending. We believe as you do that cooperation
between Taipei and Washington is paramount to
Taiwan's
security and is in the mutual interest of both nations.
As
Co-Chairs of the CTC, we would like to cordially invite you to
come to Washington this September to address members of the
Caucus and engage in a dialogue concerning US-Taiwan relations.
Given the myriad of complex and difficult issues facing the
United States and Taiwan in the coming years, we believe your
visit will be a positive step towards enhancing this historic
partnership.
Again,
congratulations on your election as chairman of the KMT. We
look forward to hearing back from you regarding our invitation
and pledge to continue to work with you to strengthen US-Taiwan
relations.
Sincerely
yours,
___________________ ___________________
Rep.
Robert Wexler Rep. Steve
Chabot
CTC
Co-Chair
CTC Co-Chair
___________________
Rep.
Sherrod Brown
CTC Co-Chair
