The National Unification Council Ceases to Exist

THE NATIONAL UNIFICATION COUNCIL CEASES TO EXIST -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 14, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. PETE SESSIONS OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2006

* Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, on February 27, Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian declared that Taiwan's Unification Council will cease to function and the National Unification Guidelines will cease to apply. He came to his decision after weighing the importance of preserving Taiwan's freedom, democracy, human rights, the status quo and Taiwanese people's right to choose their own future.

* White House spokesman Scott McClellan stated, ``We welcome President Chen's reaffirmation of his administration's commitment to cross-strait peace and stability, and Taiwan's commitment to the pledges that President Chen made in his inaugural address ..... to not unilaterally alter the status quo on the Taiwan Strait.''

* Since peace in the Taiwan Strait is critical to our national security and any military confrontation must be avoided, I therefore urge China to end its strident rhetoric against Taiwan, rescind the Anti-Secession Law enacted last spring and remove the hundreds of threatening missiles targeting Taiwan.

* On the first anniversary of the passage of China's Anti-Secession Law and the 10th anniversary of the Taiwan Strait Missile Crisis, it is high time for a meaningful dialogue to resume between Chinese leaders and the elected leadership in Taiwan, leading to a peaceful resolution of their differences. I support these efforts to reduce the tension on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, and urge my fellow Congressional colleagues to continue their support for repealing the Anti-Secession Law.

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