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Following is the transcript (English portion) of remarks made to the media by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at the Legislative Council Building today (April 22):

Secretary for Security: This morning I had a meeting with Mr Robert Mueller, the Director of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). We had a good discussion on mutual co-operation, the sharing of intelligence and information on anti-criminal investigation and anti-terrorist activities. I briefed Mr Mueller on the current law and order situation in Hong Kong. I also gave an assessment on the threat of terrorist attack on Hong Kong. Our assessment is that the possibility of Hong Kong under a terrorist attack is moderate. But we can't be complacent of course, knowing what is happening around us at the surrounding countries and territories. Mr Mueller is particularly concerned about maritime terrorism. I told Mr Mueller that we are now proposing legislation at the Legislative Council to put in force the United Nations Security Council 1373 Order to counter maritime terrorism and to freeze the non-fund asset of terrorists. And I hope that this piece of legislation can be passed within this current session.

Reporter: Apart from the legislation, what will the government do to minimise the chances of a terrorist attack?

Secretary for Security: Although our assessment of the threat level is moderate, as I said we can't be complacent. Our Police Force will maintain very close liaison with other enforcement agencies around the globe. We are always on the alert and I hope that being vigilant will discourage terrorists coming to Hong Kong.

Reporter:...Mr Mueller is concerned about maritime terrorism...

Secretary for Security: Mr Mueller is concerned about maritime terrorism. That's why we are now proposing a new law to tackle maritime terrorism. The reason he demonstrated this kind of concern is because Hong Kong is one of the major ports in this part of the world.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, April 22, 2004

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