On behalf of the 23 million people and the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to start by expressing my most heartfelt welcome and appreciation to all the distinguished guests who have traveled from afar to attend the inaugural conference of the Pacific Congressional Caucus and the International Symposium on Democracy and Congress.
Vice President Lu played a key role in the founding of the Democratic Pacific Union (DPU). Through the joint efforts of Taiwan's government and NGOs, the DPU was officially established on August 14, 2005, the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII. In just one year, remarkable achievements were made by the DPU, ones that have been widely recognized by the international community. The people of Taiwan also feel very proud of them. Examples of these achievements are the launching of the Pacific Center for Disaster Reduction, the 2005 Taiwan Election Observation Group, DPU Visiting Fellowships, DPU Taiwan Scholarships, the Pacific Industrial Development Center, the Pacific University Alliance, the Pacific Women's Center and the APEC Conference on Avian Influenza held in Jakarta, Indonesia in July this year. These achievements not only demonstrate Taiwan's soft power, but also successfully integrate the 28 countries around the Pacific Rim into a united and unbroken circle.
Today, the DPU takes another important step forward. The establishment of the Pacific Congressional Caucus has made it the largest transnational congressional organization in the Pacific Rim. Congress members from all DPU member states also have received recognition and support from their counterparts of non-member states.
The congressional body forms the center of a democratic system. Regardless of a country's presidential, cabinet or quasi-presidential system, any law, budget, international treaty and other major national issues must obtain the approval of the said country's congress before they can enter into force. Therefore, the sound operation of a congress lays the foundation for a democratic society's stable development. In addition, a congress can also act as an important venue for political parties to vie for power, converge, voice public opinion, and oversee the executive body. However, a legislature should not become a battlefield for political parties to engage in vicious skirmishes. Legislators must keep national interests and the welfare of the people in consideration. Political parties should not let their interests transcend those of the national. The legislative and executive branches should work together based on national interests. They should not use the mechanism for checks and balances to hinder each other, but rather to prevent illegal activities or abuse of power.
Over the past 20 years, Taiwan has written many magnificent pages in the history of the third wave of democratization around the world. On July 15, 1987, Taiwan lifted martial law, which had been in practice for 38 years, thereby allowing the democratization movement to flourish. In 1992, the entire legislature underwent its first direct election; in 1996, the first direct presidential election was held; in 2000, the governing party was changed for the first time; in 2004, Taiwan's first national referendum was held. In addition, nationalization of the military was implemented, and intelligence and security agencies were restructured as institutions under legal codes. These achievements have turned Taiwan into a truely free and democratic country.
Taiwan's democratic achievements have been highly recognized throughout the world. Based on the 2006 Freedom in the World report issued by the US Freedom House, Taiwan is ranked, along with the US and Japan, as a free country in terms of political rights and civil freedoms. Taiwan also received perfect scores in terms of freedom of speech and religion. "Reporters without Borders" based in France issued the latest global press freedom index the other day. In this report, Taiwan ranked the best among Asian nations, and for the first time ever scored above Japan and the United States.
Over the past few months, much activity has been taking place on Taiwan's streets, as many people have taken to the streets to express their concerns. As a national leader, I am willing to listen to everyone's opinions and adjust government policy constantly. Thirty years ago, the national leader would mobilize the military and police to repress the voices of the people. In contrast, law enforcement today is used to protect the rights of the people as they express their voices. This represents a great difference, as well as a democratic achievement that cannot be overlooked.
Behind these democratic achievements, Taiwan's congress has played a crucial role. It not only has abolished much antiquated legislation, but also laid a solid legal foundation for the consolidation of Taiwan's democracy. In 2005, major constitutional amendments concerning the legislative election system halved the seats in congress. The election system has also been changed to a "single member district, two non-transferable votes system." It is hoped that this will improve the quality and performance of the members of the Congress, which will in turn improve the overall performance of the congress. The selection of legislators is closely related to the electoral system. The system regulates the behavior of candidates during election campaigns. With a poor election system, it would be very difficult to ensure that fine people will be chosen to serve as members of congress. As one can see, Taiwan has already made giant strides in its congressional reforms.
Although the congress of each country faces different problems and challenges, their responsibilities and duties remain the same. Distinguished guests from all over the world have gathered to study and exchange views on the issue of congressional reform in today's International Symposium on Democracy and Congress. Our aim is not to compare and decide which country's system is better. Instead, we hope that through discussions and exchanges in this symposium, participants can find solutions to problems facing their respective congress and increase its effectiveness. This will in turn allow them to develop a congressional system that is more in line with their country's particular conditions and characteristics.
The establishment of the Pacific Congressional Caucus provides us with greater hope for the future. We would like to express our appreciation to our distinguished guests who have come to Taiwan from all over the world. We look forward to Taiwan being further integrated into the world. The Pacific region is one of the strongest magnets for life in the world. It accounts for one-third of the surface of the world, more than two-fifths of the global population, and more than half of the world's economic power. The security, stability and prosperity of the Pacific region will guarantee mankind's survival. Through the mechanism of the Pacific Congressional Caucus and the efforts and cooperation of all the members, we can ensure democracy, peace and prosperity in the Pacific region. In addition, together we can promote these values in non-member states throughout the world. This is both our duty and our honor.
Today marks the election day for mayors and city counselors of Taipei and Kaohsiung municipalities. Our distinguished guests can witness Taiwan's democracy in action, as well as our peaceful, rational and orderly election process. You will notice that the campaign flags all over the streets and other campaign advertisements will be removed no later than tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. As a matter of fact, the mayors of Taipei and Kaohsiung were appointed by the central government instead of chosen by the people in the past. It was until 1994 that this was changed. Such progress also marks an important milestone for Taiwan's democratic process and I was truly privileged to serve as the 1st popularly elected mayor of Taipei.
Once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all the distinguished guests for participating. I also want to congratulate the DPU for its many achievements. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: in this great Pacific Century, we are not just witnesses to, but also creators of history. We are not alone in the pursuit of our dreams. Thanks to the DPU, together we can generate even more creativity and strengths. In closing, I would like to wish this conference a great success, and all the distinguished guests good health and every success. May the countries represented here enjoy great prosperity! Thank you.