President Chen Shui-bian on July 2 met with Mr. Miroslav Ouzky, the chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. President Chen, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome and gratitude to Chairman Ouzky.
The president said that Chairman Ouzky has served as a member of the Czech Parliament and has long experience in government. President Chen also once again expressed his appreciation to the Czech government and Former President Vaclav Havel and his wife for the welcome and reception they provided to First Lady Wu Shu-jen on a previous trip to the Czech Republic. President Chen was deeply touched by the courtesies they provided to her.
The president said that on November 22, 2004, he, on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) government, bestowed an honor on Former President Havel in recognition of his efforts towards humanity and the Czech Republic, as well as his contributions to strengthening relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. He said he greatly admires Former President Havel, noting that the Czech leader distinguished himself as an outstanding voice of dissent as well as an illustrious writer, thinker and politician.
President Chen said he looks forward to visiting the European Parliament, adding it is regrettable that although he previously received an invitation from the parliamentary speaker, various political factors prevented him from making the trip. The president said he hopes that after leaving office next year he will have an opportunity to visit the European Parliament in Strasberg.
President Chen noted that the European Parliament has on many occasions passed resolutions that are friendly to Taiwan. These include a resolution formally expressing opposition to China's passage of the Anti-separation Law, a resolution opposing the lifting of the EU's arms embargo against China, as well as support for Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization and for Taiwan to obtain observer status in the World Health Assembly. Furthermore, the European Parliament has not only continuously paid close attention to security issues in the Taiwan Strait, but also repeatedly advocated that any disputes in the Taiwan Strait should be resolved peacefully through dialogue.
Chairman Ouzky said that he was elected as the chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety this year and that in his position he will continue to pay attention to Taiwan's participation in the WHO and observer status at the WHA. He added that this was also a focal topic on his last visit to Taiwan. He said he realizes that the progress made in Taiwan's application to enter the WHO is not as one might hope, but added he will continue to fully support Taiwan in its efforts in this regard.