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Taiwan Sunflower Movement to End 3 Week Occupation in Favor of Direct Democracy Assemblies
Taiwanese protesters who have occupied Parliament for three weeks to try and block a contentious services trade agreement with China said on Monday they would end their occupation this week after proclaiming the success of the occupation and the intent to turn a students movement into a citizens movement through direct democracy assemblies. An announcement was made that they shall hold a major “Citizens’ Assembly” that will proceed for two days this weekend.
Sunflower Movement Press Release April 7, 2014, 20:00
As the occupation of the legislature enters its 21st day, we give our deepest gratitude to the citizens of Taiwan for their participation and support. It is they who have given this movement a strong, justifiable cause from the beginning. Today, we would like to announce an important decision. The occupation of the legislature has completed its task at this phase, and has achieved substantial progress. It has made Taiwanese citizens realize that it is our choice not to let the rules and authority of the past generation to confine us, and that the constitutional principle that “sovereignty shall reside in the whole body of citizens” is a living experience that belongs to every Taiwanese citizen of our generation. We understand that each person holds a different expectation and aspiration toward this movement; however, as we look back on the achievements we’ve made so far, we’ve decided that the time has come to convert the energy gathered by a students’ movement into a citizens’ movement. This is the right moment for the youth in the legislature to walk to all corners of Taiwan.
As the occupation of the legislature enters its 21st day, we give our deepest gratitude to the citizens of Taiwan for their participation and support. It is they who have given this movement a strong, justifiable cause from the beginning. Today, we would like to announce an important decision. The occupation of the legislature has completed its task at this phase, and has achieved substantial progress. It has made Taiwanese citizens realize that it is our choice not to let the rules and authority of the past generation to confine us, and that the constitutional principle that “sovereignty shall reside in the whole body of citizens” is a living experience that belongs to every Taiwanese citizen of our generation. We understand that each person holds a different expectation and aspiration toward this movement; however, as we look back on the achievements we’ve made so far, we’ve decided that the time has come to convert the energy gathered by a students’ movement into a citizens’ movement. This is the right moment for the youth in the legislature to walk to all corners of Taiwan.
snip...
Regarding international geopolitics, we have demonstrated to the world the strong will of the general public that the people of Taiwan will not be at the mercy of China, and have therefore upset the underhand dealings of Taiwan-related issues between China, the United States and even Japan. Our novel approach of a non-violent, peaceful resistance has triggered recognition, sympathy and resonance in youths across East Asia and all over the globe.
http://revolution-news.com/taiwan-sunflower-movement-end-3-week-occupation-favor-direct-democracy-assemblies/
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Imagine if this level of mass citizen engagement was applied to our secretive trade deals.