TAIWAN'S STATUS IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, with a population of 23 million people, Taiwan is a democracy and a global economic power, yet it is not a member of the United Nations. In January of this year a proposal failed concerning Taiwan's World Health Assembly observer status during the World Health Organization's Executive Board meeting in Geneva. I am concerned that with the outbreak of SARS and ongoing concerns related to the possible human-to-human transmission of H5Nl Bird Flu, Taiwanese membership in international health entities should be considered with a greater sense of urgency.
I urge the Administration to take steps to allow entry of Taiwan into all relevant international health organizations to ensure the best possible response to any potential future health outbreaks that could ultimately invade the United States and detrimentally impact Americans. Despite not being a member of the World Health Organization, Taiwan has declared its voluntary early compliance with all provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005).
Mr. Speaker, I urge the Administration to encourage key leaders of other nations to resume talks with Chen Shui-Bian as soon as possible.
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