dpp newsletter sept2007
TRANSCRIPT
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
1/11
Democratic Progressive Party Celebrates its 21st Anniversary
The Democratic Progressive Party celebrated its 21st
Anniversary on September 28th. The
noontime reception was attended by more than 60 ambassadors and representatives to Taiwan,
as well as hundreds of DPP party officials and representatives.
President Chen Shui-bian officially opened the event by reminiscing about the early days of the
DPP. Several pioneers, including Chairman You Si-kun, who at that time served as
Chairperson of the Assembly, willingly risked their lives by forming the first major opposition
party in Taiwan.
President Chen recounted the DPPs essential role in promoting democratic reforms towards the
end of the KMT-imposed period of martial law in Taiwan. The countrys next tasks, he added,
are to push forward with KMT illegally possessed party assets as well as Joining the United
Nations, under the name Taiwan. The President emphasized that the DPP has never deviated
from its policy of "deepening Taiwan's democratic consolidation," pursuing "social justice," and
"strengthening Taiwan's national identity," all of which represent the partys basic line and corevalues. As long as the DPP adheres to the concept of following the right path and doing the right
thing, it will win the trust of the people and lead Taiwan toward becoming a normal, complete,
and great democratic country.
Premier Chang Chun-hsiung congratulated Taiwan on creating not only an economic miracle,
but a democratic miracle. He emphasized that a firm belief in Taiwanese sovereignty and a
strong desire to join the United Nations is now the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan.
Presidential Office Secretary-General Yeh Chu-lan also applauded the DDPs ability to
transform Taiwan into a democratic nation, and stressed that the party must stabilize Taiwans
sovereign status in the international community.
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE DPPS
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
rogress
DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY
CELEBRATES ITS 21ST
ANNIVERSARY....1-3
SEPTEMBER 2007CHAIRMAN YOU SEEKS SUPPORT FOR TAIWANSUN APPLICATION.......................................3-4
ONE LETTER, ONE PERSON :CAMPAIGN FOR ADEMOCRATIC BURMA...4
DPP CONDEMNS CRACKDOWN IN BURMA..5
UN FOR TAIWAN RALLY A BIG SUCCESS...........6
democracy&TAIWAN LEFT OUT OF OLYMPRIC TORCHRALLY7CHAIRMAN YOU RESIGNS PARTY POSITION8
NORMAL NATION RESOLUTION9-11
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
2/11
2 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
Foreign dignitaries addressing the
audience were Charge dAffaires Lydia
Ngirablosch of Palau and H.E. Mawdo
C. Juwara, the Gambian Ambassador
to Taiwan.
Ambassador Juwara called attention to
his nations continued cooperation with
Taiwan based on their shared
common values of respect for human
rights, freedom, democracy, and the
rule of law, and highlighted the
achievements of the recently concluded
Taiwan-Africa Heads of State Summit
in Taipei.
Charge dAffaires Ngirablosch extended her
governments best wishes to the DPP on this 21st
anniversary, and confirmed its commitment to
continue to voice out and speak for Taiwan in the
international arena.Both speakers likewise expressed their
firm support for the UN for Taiwan
campaign. Charge dAffaires
Ngirablosch proclaimed that the
world would benefit from Taiwans
membership in the UN and other
institutions any great nation should
respect every countrys right to UN
membership based on the principles of
democracy and self-determination.
Several of the speakers including
President Chen, Premier Chang, as
well as Secretary General to the
President Yeh all used the opportunity
to condemn the atrocities taking place
in Burma, and expressed Taiwans
concern and support for the people of
Burma.
H.E. Mawdo C. Juwara, the Gambian Ambassador to
Taiwan, openly calls for UN membership for Taiwan.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
3/11
3 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
Department of
International Affairs
Democratic Progressive Party
8F, No. 30, Pei-Ping East Rd.
Taipei, Taiwan
t. 886-2-23929989 ext. 305
f. 886-2-23214527
web: http://www.dpp.org.tw
Director
Dr. Lai I-Chung
Editor:
Celebrating the 21stbirthday for the DPP, from Left to Right: DPP Secretary-General Lin
Chia-Lung, Secretary-General to the Presidential Office Yeh Chu-lan, National Human
Rights Commission member Huang Er-hsuan, Premier Chan Chun-hsiung, President Chen
Shui-bian, Vice President Annette Lu, former Legislator Chou Ching-yu, President of the
Examination Yuan Chia-Wen, and DPP Central Executive Committee Member Huang
Ching-lin.
Roger Lee Huang
Chairman You Seeks Support for Taiwans UN Application Referendum
Chairman You Si-kun recently contacted political party heads and leaders from all over the world, including
ambassadors to Taiwan, seeking their support for Taiwans application to the United Nations. In his letter, ChairmanYou explained the importance of Taiwans UN membership, calling it a moral imperative as well as a practical and basic
right of Taiwans 23 million citizens.
Chairman You emphasized that the Taiwanese people have already expressed their collective will to join the United
Nations. As leader of the ruling party, he consequently believes it is his duty to achieve this goal. At the same time,
Chairman You requests that the KMT act responsibly and listen to the Taiwanese people, who have made it clear that
they seek to apply for UN membership under the name of Taiwan. Furthermore, they will tolerate neither Chinese
interference nor KMT collusion with China.
mailto:[email protected]://www.dpp.org.tw/http://www.dpp.org.tw/mailto:[email protected] -
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
4/11
4 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
In his letter dated September 12th
, Chairman You stated that as Taiwans democratically-elected ruling party, it is
the DPPs responsibility to help Taiwan break free from its current international isolation. Joining the UN would
demonstrate Taiwans desire to become a responsible and productive member of the international community.
Friends and supporters from all over the world have already affirmed their support for Taiwans UN bid in response
to Chairman Yous international appeal, including the Ambassadors of The Gambia, Belize, Malawi, Palau, Honduras,
and Marshall Islands as well as freedom loving political parties all over the world.
Prolonged international isolation would have serious consequences for Taiwan, especially during times of crisis or
natural disaster. For example, when the destructive September 21, 1999 earthquake and the 2003 SARS Crisis hit
Taiwan, our country suffered from international neglect. When the people of Taiwan desperately needed the care andattention of the international community, China interfered by manipulating the political situation, thus preventing
immediate assistance from the international community and disregarding the lives of the Taiwanese people.
Chairman You also pointed out that supporting Taiwans UN membership is a moral imperative. Taiwans UN
membership application was twice rejected by UN Secretary Ban Ki-moon on the basis of the events of 1971 and
Resolution 2758. However, given that the text of this resolution addresses solely the issue of representation of China,
and does not address Taiwans representation, we must apply to the UN under the name Taiwan. It is unjust that the
UN has not seen fit to grant UN membership to a politically free and economically robust nation such as Taiwan.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to continue to support Taiwans UN bid and lobby our friends and allies to bring up
Taiwans cause in the 62nd
General Assembly.
One Letter, One Person: Campaign for a Democratic Burma
The Democratic Progressive Party Department of Youth Development Director Chou Yong-hongexpressed his solidarity
with the Burmese people and with democratic movements worldwide on September 28th. As Taiwan does not have a voice
in the United Nations, he called upon Internet users to launch an online letter campaign pressuring the UN and urging it to
show concern for the Burmese democracy movement and stop the bloody crackdown. By writing one letter, one person at a
time, the Taiwanese people can tell the United Nations that they are not only concerned about democracy at home, but also
democracy movements abroad. Moreover, they should urge the United Nations to place sanctions upon Burma and defend
democratic values.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
5/11
5 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
DPP Condemns Ongoing Repression by Burma Military Rulers
The Democratic Progressive Party condemns the Burmese juntas ongoing repression of the Burmese people, and calls
for the return of freedom and human rights in Burma. Beginning on September 26, after weeks of peaceful protests, the
Burmese government resorted to brutal force and crushed the monk-led opposition.
President Chen Shui-bian expressed regret over the violent actions of the Burmese government, and added that he
personally and solemnly called on international society to take note of the essence of the Chinese dictatorial rule and its
terrible human rights and pay close attention to Chinas military intimidation, diplomatic suppression and political
united front campaign against Taiwan.
Department of International Affairs Director Lai I-Chung also condemned the military governments use of violence to
suppress the local populace, and called for an immediate end to the repression. He likewise demanded that leaders grant
freedom of assembly and association to the Burmese people and arrange for the immediate release of all political
prisoners, including National League for Democracy (NLD) leader Aung Sung Suu Kyi. Director Lai decried the
Chinese government's support for the military, which has subsequently harmed the democracy movement in Burma.
Director Lai stressed that the junta has long relied on Chinese support to resist growing international pressure for a
regime change. He called upon leaders in Beijing to stop granting foreign aid to the military junta, without which they
could not perpetuate their regime.
"Democracy is a universal value, said Director Lai. He emphasized that even though Taiwan was once deeply
authoritarian, the people made many sacrifices to help Taiwan become a democratic country. Thus, the people of Taiwan
will give their full support to the Burmese populace, so that they might likewise pursue democratic reforms and gain
their freedom.
The Democratic Progressive Party and The National Council of the Union of Burma (NCUB) are both members of the
Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) The DPP recently supported CALD Resolution No. 5 S, whichopenly proclaimed its support for a free and democratic Burma and condemned the repressive regime.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
6/11
6 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
UN for Taiwan Kaohsiung March a Huge Success
Recently, surveys conducted by the Democratic Progressive Party found that over 70% of the
Taiwanese people wish to join the United Nations using the name Taiwan. The people made their
voices clear by participating in the UN for Taiwan event in Kaohsiung on September 15th, 2007.
Over half a million people took part in a march through Kaohsiung, which culminated in a massive
rally that evening. President Chen Shui-bian, VP Annette Lu, DPP Presidential Candidate Frank
Hsieh and other luminaries spoke passionately to the crowd about Taiwans UN bid. The rally also
featured video footage of similar rallies all over the world. Participants sent a unified message to
the United Nations: Taiwan is a productive, democratic member of the international community
and deserves membership in the UN!
Chairman You with
supporters from
Freedom House, Ms.
Aili Pinano and Dr.
Karin Deutsch
Karlekar.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
7/11
7 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
China Leaves Taiwan Out of the 2008 Olympic Torch
Relay
After months of frustrating negotiations, the International Olympic
Committee has announced that Taiwan will not take part in the 2008
Olympic torch relay. According to DPP Director of International Affairs
Lai I-Chung, Beijings boycott of Taiwanese participation in the torch
relay will only further increase the Taiwanese people's dissatisfaction
with the Chinese side, thus having a detrimental impact on any positive
development of cross-strait relations.
The entire controversy first began last April, when Beijing released itsplans for the torch relay route. The Chinese Government arranged for
the torch to travel from Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City to Taiwan before
arriving in Hong Kong. Democratic Progressive Party leaders and
government officials immediately condemned the plan, which
envisioned Taiwan as the beginning of the domestic leg of the route.
They refused to accept any subsequent agreement denying or
downgrading Taiwans status as a sovereign country.
A consensus was reached on August 29th. However, Mainland Affairs
Council chairman Chen Ming-tong was informed at the last minute by
Beijing via telephone that Taiwans Olympic Committee would be
responsible to coordinate all relevant parties to not use any flag,
emblem, or anthem other than those [described by the IOC] during the
torch relay."
Not only is this last minute change a direct provocation and disregard of
the dignity of the people of Taiwan, it is also a deliberate hostile act
ensuring that logistics will not allow the torch to come to Taiwan.
Vice President Annette Lu expressed her disappointment in the
outcome, but reaffirmed the Democratic Progressive Partys position
that Taiwan would refuse to accept any arrangement that downgraded
Taiwans sovereignty. It might be misinterpreted by the world that
Taiwan is part of China." stated Lu.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
8/11
8 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
Chairman You Resigns P arty Position
On September 21st, Democratic Progressive Party Chairman You issued a four
point statement, summarized here, which announced his resignation as the
chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party. First, he stated that the
Taiwanese people can vouch for his honest and upright political career.
Second, any public investigation will find that he has always used his special
discretionary funds for public purposes. Third, Chairman You respects the
Taiwanese judicial system, and is certain that he will be proven innocent.
Fourth, he is a man who means what he says and does what he means, as well
as a man of his word. Thus, he has decided to resign as Chairman of the
Democratic Progressive Party.
In a separate statement issued the following day, Chairman You expressed his
deep love of Taiwan, as well as his hope that his children would one day see
Taiwan fully integrated into the international community. The Chairman
believed that his resignation best suited the needs of the party at this time,
which faces many challenges ahead and needs to remain unified.
Cha i rm an You res igns h i s pos i t i on as pa r t y cha i rm an .
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
9/11
9 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
Normal Nation Resolution
Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation. Neither Taiwan nor China belongs
to one another, nor is one country under the jurisdiction of the other. However,
the combination of an internal threat, that of the remnant authoritarian
Kuomintang regime, and an external threat, that of the hegemonic behavior of
China, constitute five threats to the normalization of Taiwan.
1. Abnormal International Relations
China has displayed blatant aggression towards Taiwan in the form of military,
diplomatic, economic, cultural, and political actions, and through its
promulgations of the One China Policy, as well as the Anti-Secession Law.
China has unilaterally altered the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, thus
undermining Taiwans sovereignty and security, threatening Taiwans survival
in the international community, and creating abnormal international
relations for Taiwan.
2. Abnormal Constitutional System.
Taiwan is still currently using the unsuitable Constitution of the Republic of
China. The democratically elected government is thus prevented from
functioning normally, resulting in an abnormal constitutional system.
3. Abnormal National Identity.
The legacy of cultural and educational indoctrination by the authoritarian alien
KMT regime, along with its suppression and stigmatization of local culture, has
obstructed the formation of national identification, thus causing an abnormal
national identity.
4. Abnormal Social Justice
Unequal treatment of certain social groups over time by the KMT regime has
led to a disruption of social cohesion, which should be based on equal
citizenship, thus creating an abnormal social justice reality.
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
10/11
10 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
5. Abnormal Electoral Competition
The KMTs long-term possession of illegitimately gained party assets has
fostered a culture of vote-buying, a failure to distinguish between party and
State, and is furthermore detrimental to democracy, thus creating abnormal
competition between political parties.
The Democratic Progressive Party is the progressive force representing the
people of Taiwan, who seek to preserve Taiwans popular sovereignty and
pursue democratic justice. Faced by these aforementioned five threats, the
DPP shall move forward and respond on the basis of our Taiwan
Independence Clause and Resolution Regarding Taiwans Future, along
with our Normal Nation Resolution.
In order for Taiwan to become a normal nation, we need to actively promote
and implement name-rectification, promulgate a new constitution, and accede
to the United Nations. In addition, we must realize transitional justice and
restore a Taiwan-centric identity, with the ultimate goal of transforming
Taiwan into a normal nation. To accomplish these aims, we propose the
following plan:
1. Recognizing that Taiwanese national identity is based on the idea of a
community of common destiny, we must strengthen democratic
values and Taiwanese consciousness. Since the country name,
Republic of China, is not recognized by the international community,
Taiwan must seek accession to the United Nations, World Health
Organization, and other international organizations under the name
Taiwan. It is thus important to achieve name-rectification of Taiwan
in the near future. We must write a new constitution, and at a proper
-
8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007
11/11
11 DEMOCRACY&PROGRESS
time, ratify it through referendum to demonstrate that Taiwan is an
independent, sovereign State.
2. Taiwan should adopt the Gregorian calendar as its official calendar, in
order to facilitate the countrys integration with international norms.
3. The government should foster Taiwanese national identity, intensively
promote the development of Taiwanese culture and the public usage of
mother tongues, and implement the Taiwanization of the education
system.
4. It is a necessary prerequisite of economic development to first ensure
national security, social justice, and sustainable development, in order
for the people of Taiwan to experience happy and dignified lives.
5. The government shall dedicate itself fully to advancing transitional
justice on every front. It will rid the nation of the politically symbolic
remnants of authoritarianism and its unjust allocation of national
resources, oversee a complete overhaul of Taiwans judiciary,
investigation, and prosecution systems, and ensure that the KMT return
its illegitimately gained party assets. The Government must also
rehabilitate the victims of political oppression and investigate the truth
of the oppression which took place during the White Terror period.
The Democratic Progressive Party believes that Taiwan must move forward
with the times. Taiwan must therefore break away from the bonds of power
politics, put in place by an irrational and authoritarianism system, actively
pursue name-rectification and promulgate a new Constitution, accede to the
United Nations as an equal member, and implement transitional justice and
policies aimed at nurturing a Taiwan-centric consciousness. By uniting
together, we can build a normal and magnificent nation.