The "American People's Delegation" to the Inauguration of Taiwan President Chen Shui-Bian- Congressman James A. Leach, Delegation Head Remarks Made upon Arrival at CKS Airport18 May 2004

PR0425E | Date: 2004-05-19

Ambassador Brown and I are honored to be here representing the people of the United States to celebrate a wonderful democratic election. It is a circumstance where we congratulate all candidates of all parties who have participated in such a democratic way. It was not more than a generation ago that sometimes a candidate would be in difficulty for challenging the political establishment, so in that regard, I would particularly like to extend my great respect, appreciation and admiration for President Chen and Vice President Lu, who are old and thoughtful friends of mine.

Finally, I would say that we all realize these are very sensitive times in which the world is situated, and these are times that -- together -- our societies are going to have to think through ways of dealing with issues in the world in the most reasonable and cautious kinds of ways.

But we are here to celebrate democracy -- we are here to celebrate the great advances Taiwan has made in the last generation.

Thank you all.