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In replying to a question at a press conference in connection with Mr Chang Liang-jen taking up appointment as Managing Director of Chung Hwa Travel Service (CHTS), the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (May 25) that the Managing Director of CHTS had had to accept certain conditions in the past, even before the reunification.

Under these conditions, the Managing Director of CHTS would undertake not to carry out activities that would cause embarrassment to the Government, or activities which were inconsistent with his position. He must also observe the "One China" principle.

Mr Tung said that following the reunification we had adopted one additional condition : the CHTS Managing Director, while operating in Hong Kong, should accept the principle of "One Country, Two Systems".

The Chief Executive said, "We would do whatever we could to contribute to the early reunification of the country and to strengthen cross-straits economic, trade and cultural exchanges as well as links between the two communities."

"We will pursue these objectives earnestly," Mr Tung added.

When asked to comment on the inauguration speech by the new Taiwanese leader, Mr Tung said, "Taiwan is an integral part of our country. I hope the new Taiwanese leader will signify clearly acceptance of the 'One China' principle, so that the objective of peaceful re-unification can be achieved at an early date."

End/Thursday, May 25, 2000

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