President Ma Ying-jeou is set to receive this year’s Eisenhower Medallion for his efforts in promoting regional peace, according to awarding organization U.S.-based People to People International.
Ma was nominated for the medallion by PTPI’s local chapter primarily on the strength of his East China Sea Peace Initiative and commitment to promoting resource sharing and reducing tensions throughout the region.
Proposed in August 2012, the initiative aims to resolve disputes over the Diaoyutai Islands and urges all parties to refrain from antagonistic actions; shelve controversies and not abandon dialogue; observe international law and resolve disputes through peaceful means; seek consensus on a code of conduct in the region; and establish a mechanism for cooperation on exploring and developing resources.
The initiative was lauded by Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel during February congressional hearings in Washington. And at the International Institute for Strategic Studies Asia Security Summit’s Shangri-la Dialogue in June, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Australian Minister for Defense David Johnston praised Taiwan for peacefully resolving fishery disputes with Japan and the Philippines.
Sources familiar with the matter said Ma was informed of the award in a letter by PTPI Chairman Emeritus Mary Jean Eisenhower. The president is expected to receive the medallion at PTPI’s Worldwide Conference Sept. 17-20 in Tainan City and meet with the organization’s board members.
Ma is the first ROC president and second ROC national to win the honor after Dharma Master Cheng Yen in 1994. The medallion honors an internationally known individual or organization in recognition of exceptional contributions to world peace and understanding.
The 42 recipients to date include former U.S. Presidents George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, the respective ex-presidents of South Africa and Poland, Nelson Mandela and Lech Walesa, as well as nongovernmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children.
Founded in 1956 by then U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, PTPI promotes international understanding and world peace through cultural, educational and humanitarian activities. (SFC-JSM)
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