President Chen Shui-bian on September 8 met with European Parliament Vice-President Edward McMillan-Scott at the Civil Service Development Institute. The president, on behalf of the government and 23 million people of the ROC (Taiwan), expressed his appreciation to Vice-President McMillan-Scott for his long-term support for Taiwan's democracy and friendly relations.
When delivering remarks, President Chen said the European Parliament each year passes resolutions friendly to Taiwan, including supporting Taiwan's entrance into the World Health Assembly as an observer. The European Parliament has also repeatedly urged the European Union to reject appeals by China to end an arms embargo against Beijing. It has also called on China to withdraw the missiles it has deployed along its southeast coast that are aimed at Taiwan, and has voiced its support that any disputes between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait should be resolved through peaceful dialogue. The president reiterated his gratitude to the European Parliament for passing many resolutions favorable to Taiwan as well as supporting friendship with Taiwan.
President Chen also thanked the European Parliament for its staunch support regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan and Tibet. He also made note of Vice-President McMillan-Scott's support for an application by Taiwan to enter the United Nations (UN). The president said Taiwan has faced an extremely tough road in moving from authoritarianism to democracy, but he is confident that taking the road toward democracy has been the correct one. After the alternation of power, Taiwan has become a free nation like that of EU nations and the United States, something that he said he is very proud of.
President Chen said that even though Taiwan's democracy has been lauded by United States President George W. Bush as a success and a great story, Taiwan needs to continue to improve the quality of its democracy and further strengthen it. The president said Taiwan resolutely supports the people and government of Tibet, who have long been in exile due to their pursuit of democracy, freedom and human rights. He said Taiwan will always stand on their side and deeply admires the work towards self-determination by the Tibetan government and people, as well as their defense of basic human rights.
European Parliament Vice-President McMillan-Scott said European history can offer a message to China in that it should allow Taiwan to pursue its path as a free and democratic nation. He said Taiwan is a symbol of democracy and freedom and that he supports the 23 million people of Taiwan in applying to enter the UN.