Premier Hsieh Delivers Videotaped Address to the International Society for Human Rights in Germany

Premier Frank Chang-ting Hsieh today delivered a videotaped address to the annual convention of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) at the invitation of the organization. He called on the European Union (EU) to uphold human rights and freedom, and firmly stand by the arms ban on China. Premier Hsieh remarked that Taiwan opened a new stage of democratic development following the first change of governing party in 2000. In contrast, human rights in China have seen little improvement over the years, and recently Beijing has threatened Taiwan with an anti-separation law (the so-called Anti-secession Law), an indication of its hostility to Taiwan's democracy and the threat it poses to freedom.

The premier said that he is a lawyer by profession. His political career began 25 years ago when he served as a defense attorney in the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident. Since then, respect for humanity and concern for human rights have been the major ideals and driving force behind his participation in politics. In addition, the government hopes to build Taiwan into a nation of full-fledged democracy and liberty. China's anti-separation law, however, authorizes Beijing's leaders to adopt "non-peaceful measures," including war, to resolve cross-strait issues. This seriously threatens Taiwan's freedoms and human rights, and is a direct provocation of the international community's principle of advocating peaceful resolution of disputes.

Premier Hsieh reiterated that China has yet to improve its human rights record, and that the freedom of religion and freedom of speech, in particular, have even suffered reversals. Therefore, if the international community were to help China to upgrade its military and, thereby, cause an even greater threat to Taiwan, such a move would involve not just issues of security, but more importantly, that of human rights. In determining whether to lift the arms ban on China, the EU must take into consideration not only economic and security factors, but also morals and values. In return for the support of international friends such as the ISHR, Taiwan wholeheartedly offers to strive even harder for the promotion of democracy and human rights.

The premier's videotaped address to the more than 300 delegates at the ISHR annual convention was arranged by Pasuya Wen-chih Yao, minister of the Government Information Office. Minister Yao indicated that the ISHR's chairman, Karl Hafen, issued an open letter on March 21 saluting President Chen and the people of Taiwan, and opposing the anti-separation law as well as expressing support for Taiwan. Because of the difficulty of working a foreign trip into the premier's tight schedule, the videotaped message was specially arranged for the premier to express his most sincere appreciation for the moral courage shown by the ISHR in its longstanding support of a democratic Taiwan.

Mr. Hafen said that it was a great honor to invite Premier Hsieh to address the delegates at the ISHR annual convention. The ISHR will continue to urge the EU to maintain its arms ban on China and ask for the unconditional revocation of China's anti-separation law. The ISHR is a non-governmental organization based in Frankfurt, Germany, which works to uphold freedom and human rights around the world. Participants at its 2005 annual convention include Dr. Mart Zachidow (ISHR vice chairman), members of the German Parliament, and delegates from around the world.