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The following is issued on behalf of the Acting Chief Executive, Mrs Anson Chan, today (April 12):

The position of the Hong Kong SAR Government on the question of Taiwan is perfectly clear. We support the One China Policy and One Country Two Systems and hope for the peaceful reunification of the country.

The position of the Hong Kong SAR Government on the question of press freedom is also abundantly clear. Press freedom is guaranteed by the Basic Law, as are the freedoms of speech and publication. This means that the Hong Kong media is free to comment and report on all matters of current interest. They do so in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

On the question of Basic Law Article 23, the Hong Kong SARG has made no decision as to the timing or content of such legislation. We appreciate that this is a sensitive and complex issue. Full public consultation will be carried out before any final decisions are made. But it is clear that any legislation on this or any other matter could not be in conflict with the provisions of the Basic Law.

We have consistently upheld the Basic Law in all its provisions, including those relating to press and other freedoms. We will continue to do so.

End/Wednesday, April 12, 2000

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