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The Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, has returned to Hong Kong this (June 9) evening after a two-day visit to Guangzhou.

The Government delegation led by Mrs Ip comprises representatives from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Government Laboratory.

Delegates called on the Guangdong provincial foreign affairs, public security, procuratorate, court, judicial and customs authorities. They exchanged information with the provincial officials on the law and order situation in Hong Kong and in Guangdong and discussed security matters of mutual concern.

The delegation also called on Mr Chen Shaoji, Deputy Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China.

"We discussed a wide range of topics, including the protection of legitimate rights of Hong Kong people in the Mainland, co-operation in law enforcement and genetic test arrangements relating to applications for right of abode in Hong Kong," Mrs Ip told reporters on her return from Guangzhou.

"During the call on the Deputy Secretary Chen Shaoji and discussions with Guangdong Public Security Bureau (GPSB) officials, we were given to understand that they have set up a mechanism that would provide a dedicated channel for Hong Kong and Macau compatriots to raise questions or lodge complaints with the GPSB," she said. Complaints could also be lodged with the GPSB's website.

Mrs Ip added that the opportunity was taken to draw the attention of the GPSB to current cases of Hong Kong residents detained in Guangdong. These people have sought help from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government over their detention and the cases have been referred to the GPSB earlier.

The delegation also visited the Criminal Technology Centre (CTC) of the GPSB, which will handle genetic tests for Mainland children of Hong Kong residents claiming right of abode (ROA) in the HKSAR.

Delegates noted that the methodology and procedures followed by the CTC in taking genetic tests were in accordance with operational guidelines currently adopted by the Hong Kong Government Chemist.

"We are impressed by the professionalism displayed by the staff of the CTC and the facilities there. We are confident that the CTC is a laboratory competent for its newly assigned job of handling genetic tests for ROA claimants," Mrs Ip concluded.

End/ Friday June 9, 2000

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