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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, made the following statement today (Monday) concerning the decision of the Court of Final Appeal on January 29:

"The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region respect judicial independence. We are evaluating actively the long-term implications of the decision of the Court of Final Appeal concerning Article 24 of the Basic Law, so that we can take charge of the situation and determine the appropriate strategy as soon as possible.

The Special Administrative Region Government are concerned about and place much importance on the views expressed recently by the Mainland legal experts about the Court of Final Appeal's decision.

We are giving these views detailed consideration. We are confident that we can resolve any problems according to the Basic Law and maintain the basis of 'one country two systems'."

END/Monday, February 8, 1999

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