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Following is the statement made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (May 17) in response to the Report of the Independent Panel of Inquiry on the Harbour Fest:

I wish to thank once again the Panel members, Mr Moses Cheng and Mr T Brian Stevenson, for taking up the challenge of conducting a thorough review of the Harbour Fest event within such a compressed timeframe. They have produced a comprehensive report spelling out the findings, observations and conclusions regarding the event. The Panel has also made a number of recommendations on organising similar events that require Government sponsorship.

I accept the Panel's findings and recommendations. Their views will definitely serve as useful reference if and when we are to stage similar events in the future.

It is indeed regrettable that the good initiative of the Government and of the American Chamber of Commerce ended in a controversy. I agree with the Panel that all of the parties involved in the various phases of the project were responsible in their respective ways.

I have instructed that members of the Economic Relaunch Working Group and indeed all senior members of the Administration should learn from this experience. We will further examine the report carefully to determine any necessary follow-up action by the Government. Specifically, I have also asked the Secretary for the Civil Service to consider whether any action needs to be taken in respect of any officer.

Ends/Monday, May 17, 2004

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