********************************************************

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, expressed grave concern over the serious earthquake that occurred in Taiwan this (Tuesday) morning. He also extended his deep sympathy to the families of those killed in the tragedy and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Speaking on behalf of Mr Tung today, the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, pledged that the HKSARG would render all possible assistance to those Hong Kong residents stranded in Taiwan.

Mrs Ip said the Immigration Department had been in close contact with the Chung Hwa Travel Service, the Red Cross and the Travel Industry Council to ascertain whether any Hong Kong residents were affected and what assistance they required.

The HKSARG will offer all possible assistance to those Hong Kong people, including issuing emergency travel documents and making appropriate arrangements at check points to facilitate the early return of Hong Kong residents stranded in Taiwan.

Through visa arrangements by the Chung Hwa Travel Service, the HKSARG will also provide assistance to Hong Kong people who wish to leave for Taiwan as soon as possible to visit their Hong Kong relatives affected by the earthquake.

"Those who wish to seek assistance or make enquires in connection with the earthquake may call the 24-hour hotlines set up by the Immigration Department," Mrs Ip said. The numbers are 2829 3010 and 2829 3275.

End/Tuesday, September 21, 1999

NNNN