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Extension
of Remarks
Resolution Supporting United Nations Membership for Taiwan
September 16, 2003
Mrs. Musgrave of Colorado,
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution calling
for Taiwan to become a member of the United Nations.
The resolution states that is the sense of Congress that
"(1) Taiwan and its 23 million people deserve full and
equal membership in the United Nations and other
international organizations; and (2) the United States
should take a leading role in gaining international support
for Taiwan's participation in these organizations."
Taiwan, a strong advocate of human rights and fundamental
freedoms, and a bastion of economic strength, deserves the
same privileges as all other thriving democracies. With the
election of its President, Mr. Chen Shui-bian, in a free and
fair election in March 2000, Taiwan continues to strengthen
its democracy by improving safeguards for human rights and
contributing to the international community.
Taiwan was driven out of the United Nations in 1971 and,
since then, has continually tried to regain admission.
The People's Republic of China (PRC) has blocked those
efforts. The PRC, one of the five permanent Security
Council members, which determines new UN membership,
continually pressures other nations not to support Taiwan's
membership.
The 23 million people of Taiwan have much to contribute,
both intellectually and financially, to many international
organizations, including the UN. Clearly, the people of
Taiwan should also benefit from any positive work these
organizations engage in as well.
It is unreasonable for the people of Taiwan to be excluded
from full participation in international institutions.
Denying Taiwan membership in the United Nations and other
international organizations, such as the World Health
Organization, is unacceptable.
For the past several years, both Houses of the U.S. Congress
have consistently introduced and passed legislation
supporting Taiwan's meaningful participation and membership
into the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
This important legislation restates our support and our
commitment to the progress of Taiwan's democracy.
I believe that Taiwan's full and equal membership in the
United Nations and other international organizations is long
overdue. Now is the time to right the wrong committed
in 1971, by granting Taiwan the status it deserves.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Musgrave
Member of Congress
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