U.S. REPRESENTATIVE URGES TAIWAN TO HOLD REFERENDUM

Today, Representative Robert Andrews (D-NJ), using the 54th anniversary of the deployment by President Harry Truman of the US 7th Fleet to the Taiwan Strait to protect Taiwan against the possibility of an invasion by the People's Republic of China (PRC), issued a statement urging his fellow Members of Congress "and the Administration to support Taiwanese efforts to hold a referendum vote on the issue of admittance into the WHO."

The Congressman continues: "The people of Taiwan deserve to have their voices heard in this ongoing debate, the outcome of which will have a monumental effect on their health and well-being. As the foremost promoter of freedom and democracy around the world, we can not in good faith deter the people of Taiwan from holding their referendum. There can be no double standard when it comes to exercising democracy."

In his statement, which will be followed by the introduction of a resolution later today expressing US concern about the PRC continued refusal to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, Rep. Andrews also states that China must not have a say in Taiwan's future. "No group but the citizenry of Taiwan has the right to determine the future of Taiwan," the Congressman says.

FAPA President Ming-chi Wu states: "Representative Andrews' remarks on a referendum in Taiwan are very timely. FAPA believes that a referendum is the foremost and most democratic and practical means to let the voice of a people be heard. It is therefore important and urgent that Taiwan's legislature passes the necessary plebiscite laws enabling the people of Taiwan to have their voice heard. Nobody but the people of Taiwan has the right to determine the future of Taiwan!"