President Chen Shui-bian on August 15 met with US Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and her husband at the Presidential Building. The president, on behalf of the government and people of the ROC (Taiwan), extended a warm welcome and gratitude to the visitors on their first visit to Taiwan.
The president said Congresswoman Foxx is an important member of the House of Representatives' Congressional Taiwan Caucus. She has not only long been a friend to Taiwan, but has also staunchly promoted the negotiation and signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries. On July 30, the House passed Resolution No. 136 that urged the US government to lift restrictions on visits to the US by high-ranking Taiwan government officials, including the president.
The president noted that Congresswoman Foxx hails from North Carolina. He hopes that she will take advantage of this visit to Taiwan to continue to strengthen friendly cooperation of trade and commerce between Taiwan and North Carolina.
President Chen said Taiwan cherishes the friendly relationship between the two countries and expressed thanks to the US government for its long-term encouragement and support of Taiwan's democracy, as well as its high level of praise for Taiwan's successful democratization. The president said democracy not only stresses basic human rights, but also global values. The world community should not institute a double standard, he said, adding that the 23 million people of Taiwan should enjoy full-fledged democracy like the citizens of the United States or other nations. There should not be restrictions placed on Taiwan's democracy, he said.
The president said that in the past, the topic of referendums on Taiwan was considered political taboo. The long-term efforts of the 23 million people of Taiwan have enabled the nation to enjoy the right to referendum like that of other people around the world. He said the 23 million people of Taiwan do not hope that their right to hold referendums is tarnished or belittled. At present, the first stage in collecting signatures on a petition to propose a referendum has been completed. The second stage petition campaign is presently underway. He said Taiwan hopes to use democratic procedures and a referendum to indicate that a majority of people on Taiwan support applying to enter the United Nations under the name "Taiwan."