Ottawa 2000
Resolution on Taiwan
As adopted by the Congress of Liberal International, Ottawa/Hull, Canada 26-28 October 2000
The 50th Congress of Liberal International convening in Hull, Canada,
Being of the firm conviction that political leadership has to be democratically legitimised and therefore be based on free and fair elections, the rule of law and the principle that the people have the inherent right to decide on their political future in freedom and through their political institutions;
Welcomes the election of Chen Shui-bian and Annette Lu as President and Vice President of Taiwan which emphasized the democratic achievement in Taiwan;
Taking notice of the inaugural speech of President Chen Shui-bian in which he stated that he will not take the initiative to change the present status of Taiwan;
Acknowledging the significant development in different parts and sectors of the society in Mainland China over the last years;
Calls for a resumption of the cross-straits dialogue between Mainland China and Taiwan which will lead to enhanced co-operation between them based on the respect of human rights and the democratic principles stated above;
Rejects any suggestion that the present political status quo on Taiwan can be changed other than by the consent of its inhabitants;
Calls upon the international community to strengthen its ties with both Mainland China and Taiwan and calls upon political parties within Liberal International to closely work together with the Democratic Progressive Party of Taiwan (DPP) in defending democracy on Taiwan and the right of its people to decide about its future.
