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Following is a statement by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (May 14) on the death of Mr Keizo Obuchi:

"I am greatly saddened to learn of the untimely death of former Prime Minister Obuchi. During his term of office, Mr Obuchi has made tremendous efforts to initiate a programme for reviving the Japanese economy, which is important to Japan, Asia and the rest of the world.

"Mr Obuchi has provided very valuable leadership in fostering closer economic and social ties between Japan and Hong Kong, and will be remembered for his efforts in promoting friendship between the Chinese and Japanese peoples.

"Through various meetings with Mr Obuchi in the last few years, I have come to know him as a friend. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to Mrs Obuchi and members of the family."

End/Sunday, May 14, 2000

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