Political Quotes

“On March 18 the people of Taiwan went to the polls and chose their next president through a free and fair multiparty election. The winner of a close three-way race, Chen Shui-bian of the Democratic Progressive Party, will be inaugurated in May. I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Chen in Washington in 1997 when he was the mayor of Taipei. I was impressed by his political smarts and his commitment to building a more democratic and prosperous Taiwan. I also found him to be genuinely committed to improving relations with the mainland. I believe that Taiwan's election provides a fresh opportunity for the people of Taiwan and the people of China to reach out and resolve their differences peacefully through dialog on the basis of mutual respect. I hope that leaders on both sides of the Strait will seize this opportunity and begin to lay the foundation of trust, goodwill, and understanding which must precede true reconciliation. The inauguration of Chen will end the virtual monopoly of power the Nationalist Party has exercised for most of the past 50 years. This peaceful transition of power at the top of Taiwan's political system will mark the maturation of their democracy, and it is an event worthy of our profound respect and hearty congratulations.”