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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Thursday) praised the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison stationed in Hong Kong for their discipline and smartness, which are well appreciated by the people of Hong Kong.

Mr Tung made the remarks when delivering a speech at a ceremony organised by the PLA Garrison stationed in Hong Kong to celebrate its infantry brigade being awarded the Merit Citation Class II by the Central Military Commission. The ceremony was held at the naval base at Stonecutters Island.

Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Mr Jiang Zemin, issued an order to award the Merit Citation Class II to the infantry brigade of the PLA Garrison stationed in Hong Kong to commend their compliance with the "Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region", the "Garrison Law" and the orders issued by the Chairman of the Commission.

The Chief Executive said that over the past year, the PLA Garrison had displayed conscientiousness in discharging their duties and observed the rules strictly. They opened up their barracks to the public on October 1 last year to bring the public closer to the Garrison. This was welcomed by the community.

Besides, the PLA also participated in celebration events organised by the community to commemorate the first anniversary of the reunification of the Special Administrative Region with the Mainland. They performed martial music and parade and had a good time with the public. The people of Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region Government and the PLA Garrison will continue to enjoy good relationship.

Mr Tung, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and its people, congratulated the awarded infantry brigade and the PLA Garrison. He also took the opportunity to express his heartfelt thanks to their contributions towards the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

End/Thursday, July 23, 1998

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