Press Release

 

 

LC: Chief Secretary for Administration's response to "condemning NATO" motion

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Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, in response to the motion on "Condemning NATO" moved by Dr Hon LEONG Che-hung in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Madam President,

NATO's bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade has led to strong reaction in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive issued a statement on May 8 expressing shock over the incident. On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, he extended his condolences to the family of those who died in the incident and wished those injured an early recovery.

In the past few days, protests have been held in the Mainland, in overseas countries and in Hong Kong to denounce NATO's action. I believe that every Chinese strongly resents and is deeply indignant over the bombing of our country's Embassy. This tragic incident has claimed innocent lives. So far, the people of Hong Kong have exercised great restraint and have conducted their protests and demonstrations in a peaceful and orderly manner. This should be commended. I hope the people of Hong Kong will remain calm and rational in expressing their views, observe the rule of law, take into account public safety and public order and respect the rights and freedoms of others.

The Central Government is pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels and has demanded that NATO conducts a thorough investigation and gives a proper account of its action to the Chinese people. The HKSAR Government supports the position taken by the Central Government. We hope that the international community will work together to resolve this issue quickly.

The remains of the three journalists killed in the bombing of the Chinese Embassy have arrived back in the Mainland today. Flags in all provinces and cities on the Mainland and in the HKSAR are flying at half-mast to express our grief and condolences. Once again, on behalf of all the people of Hong Kong, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the families of those killed in the bombing incident, and to express our heartfelt wish for the early recovery of the injured embassy staff who have also returned to the Mainland.

Thank you.

End/Wednesday, May 12, 1999

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