Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian decorated visiting United States Representative James Leach Monday in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of Taipei-Washington relations and his long-term support for Taiwan's democratization.
Chen bestowed the Order of Propitious Clouds with Grand Cordon on Leach, who is the chairman of the Subcommittee for Asia-Pacific Affairs under the Commission on International Relations of the U.S. House of Representatives, at a ceremony held at the Presidential Office.
Chen described Leach as a witness of Taiwan's democratization who has supported the island's democratic development since it was under authoritarian rule until a few years ago.
Chen said that Leach asked Taiwan's authoritarian regime to lift martial law, expressed concern over Taiwan's human rights situation and supported the right to self-determination for the people of Taiwan.
The president noted that both he and Vice President Annette Lu were "rescued" by Leach when they were jailed for political reasons.
To glorify the concept that the respect of human rights serves as the nation's base, Chen told his guest that his administration has established a human rights advisory panel headed by Lu and has pushed for the establishment of a national human rights commission, a human rights memorial hall and the legislation of a basic law for human rights.
He also thanked Leach for the support he has extended to Taiwan in its bid to join international organizations, particularly the World Health Organization.
In response, the U.S. congressman praised Chen and Lu for their efforts and the sacrifices they made for Taiwan's democratization and said they are continuing to lead the people of Taiwan on the way of democracy.
Leach said that democracy has taken root in Taiwan and has demonstrated it dynamism and that he believes the U.S. Congress and administration will continue to grant support to the island.
The ceremony was also attended by Lu, Secretary-General of the National Security Council Kang Ning-hsiang, Vice Secretary-General of the Presidential Office Joseph Wu, Vice Foreign Minister Dou Chou-seng and U.S. congressional aides Jamie McCormick and John Foarde, as well as the director of the Taipei Office of the American Institute in Taiwan, Douglas Paal.