U.S. Representatives Issue Statements

Supporting UN Membership for Taiwan

For Immediate Release

September 5, 2000

On September 5, Reps. Bob Schaffer (R-CO), Steve Chabot (R-OH) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued statements in support of UN membership for Taiwan -statements that were read at the September 5 UN rally in New York on the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in front of the UN building.

Rep. Schaffer states "Taiwan has made enormous strides toward becoming a full democracy. Undeterred by China's threats, the Taiwanese voters elected pro-independence party candidates, ending more than half a century of Nationalist rule. The election …. returns the government back to the people." And "[…] last month I was pleased to introduce HCR390 to recognize the legitimacy of Taiwan's presence in the international community. Taiwan, as a democratic nation should be afforded the privilege of membership in the United Nations."

Rep. Chabot states: "As an original co-sponsor of HCR390, I have urged President Clinton to fulfill America's commitment to actively support Taiwan's membership in international organizations, including the United Nations." And "I am hopeful that before Congress adjourns this year, it will take up this important resolution."

Rep. Brown states: "The people of Taiwan have proved freedom and democracy are not just American ideals, they are universal principles that apply to every individual, to every community, and to every nation." And "The U.S. State Department's 1994 Taiwan Policy Review clearly stated it would more actively support Taiwan's membership in international organizations, when the U.S. government determines "it is clearly appropriate." But the Clinton Administration is positioned to influence international policy, it refuses to take the lead and support Taiwanese participation."

FAPA President Wen-yen Chen states: "Now that this year's United Nations session is about to start in New York, support from Members of the U.S. Congress comes in a timely fashion. Chances are that UN resolution HCR390 will go to the floor of the House of Representatives soon. With every single day that passes the situation of leaving Taiwan out of the United Nations becomes more and more untenable."