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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said today (Tuesday) that the Government was determined to protect freedom of speech and of the press according to the Basic Law.

The Government would abide by this principle when considering the proposal in the Law Reform Commission consultation papers to establish a press council, he said.

" We note that the community has expressed various views on the proposal following the release of the consultation papers.

" We will take into account these opinions before considering the above proposal and responding to the Law Reform Commission," he said.

End/Tuesday, August 31, 1999

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