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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met with Legislative Council Member Miss Margaret Ng today (Friday) to listen to her views about the revocation of her visa to visit the Mainland.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive said: "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in accordance with the Basic Law.

"Hong Kong is a pluralistic society, and the HKSAR Government welcomes different opinions on issues of common concern."

The Chief Executive explained to Miss Ng, "After my return from New Zealand last week, I contacted the Mainland authorities about the case. I was given to understand that the decision was made in accordance with Mainland laws.

"In implementing 'One country, two systems', Mainland authorities have fully respected Hong Kong's autonomies under the Basic Law. Likewise, we should not interfere with the exercising by Mainland authorities of their legal powers."

End/Friday, September 24, 1999

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