We last gathered in March of 2004 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Even though I am unable to speak to you personally this year, I am honored for the opportunity to deliver an address through this video recording.
The conference theme, "Democracy & Development", holds major significance. I am proud to share Taiwan's experience and efforts concerning this issue.
Exactly nineteen years ago, on July 15, 1987, Taiwan abolished thirty-eight years of martial law. In less than twenty years, our whole government system experienced full democratization. We re-elected our national assembly in 1992. In 1996, we held our first presidential elections. In the year 2000, we held the first transfer of power. Not long ago, in 2004, we held our fist national referendum. We also implemented military impartiality, the rule of law for political affairs and national security. Thus, Taiwan became a real free democratic country.
According to Freedom House's "Freedom in the World 2006 Report", Taiwan is placed with U.S. and Japan, as a "free" country in political rights, civic freedom and freedom of expression. Reporters without Borders ranked Taiwan higher than the U.S. and Japan as the country enjoying most press freedom in Asia.
Our democratic achievement is a pride for the 23 million people in Taiwan. It is also a precious asset to democratic countries around the world. The road to Taiwan's democracy was not a smooth one. We encountered many challenges faced by burgeoning democracies. Taiwan must deal with former human rights abuses, a nation divided in national identification, a rising tension among different ethnic groups, political instability led by disloyal opposition parties, restrictions in our constitutional system, and lack of civic awareness and conglomeration of our society. All these pose a challenge to Taiwan's democracy consolidation.
In the past six years, Taiwan's experience shows that democracy development is not constant. Democracy must be carefully protected. Slightly neglected, democracy declines.
What is the most effective step for democratic countries to reconcile the dilemmas that burgeoning democracies must face? How should we best prevent democracy's retrocession? Up until now, everyone is trying to find these answers. Nevertheless, it could only be ascertained that democratic forces must stay united in its course. We must strongly persist in the beliefs of freedom, democracy, human rights and peace. We must support each other and provide each other assistance in order for democracy to germinate its seeds unceasingly and robustly.
In addition to consolidating democracy, the most pressing issues that humanity faces in the 21st century include: global anti-terrorism, preventing the diffusion of weapons of mass destruction, global warming, the spread of HIV and other malicious diseases, and non-traditional security methods. In this variety of topics, through Liberal International and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Taiwan has engaged in the discussion with many good friends. Taiwan stands ready to abide by international resolutions such as preventing the greenhouse effect in the Kyoto Accords or the UN sanction against nuclear testing in North Korea, despite not been allowed entry into world entities such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO).
In these past two years, we have also seen emerging world concern towards Avian Flu. Even though Taiwan is not a formal, or even an observer member of WHO, Taiwan counts with a high-standard network of public medical treatment. The government has actively engaged and contributed internationally, establishing surveillance and early detection mechanisms, preventing large-scale infectious diseases. With this chance, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our LI friends and the European Parliament for supporting Taiwan's entry into WHO.
Taiwan has remained at the helm in the area of international rescuing efforts. Besides monetary assistance to aid victims of natural disasters, Taiwan established both bilateral and multilateral cooperating relationships in economic, medical, tourist and cultural areas with six Pacific Ocean countries in September of this year.
Taiwan has counted on the help of international friends, whether developing economically or seeking democratization and freedom. Today, we have made these achievements to share with our friends.
The best foundation for preserving peace and sustainable development is a democratic system under a market economy. The real protection for peace lies when each country grows more prosperous and secure, and as they enter the democratic process.
As an LI member, the DPP will continue making great efforts with liberal political parties around the world, and will stand on the right side of global democratic members. Together, everyone will practice and realize the belief and dream of freedom, democracy, sustainable development and civic society.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the political parties present for their concern of Taiwan's democracy and Asian regional security. With my deepest affirmation, I would like to congratulate LI for promoting these universal values of democracy and freedom. Finally, I would like to wish this Congress great success, and to all distinguished guests and friends, the very best in all your future endeavors. Thank you!