DPP Newsletter Sept2007

8/7/2019 DPP Newsletter Sept2007

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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


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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.


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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

[email protected]:

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]


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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.


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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.


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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.


7/11


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.


8/11


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 .


9/11


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.


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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


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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.

DPP Newsletter Sept2007

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