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In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman today (June 7) stressed that the core values on which Hong Kong thrived remained intact. The Government fully understood that citizens treasured these values, he said. Therefore it would strive to safeguard them and would not allow them to be undermined.

"Our governance is built on core values such as the rule of law, freedom, equality, openness and a corruption-free society. Hong Kong is not only an international city, it also has a leading position in the areas of finance, trade and economy, and communications. Overseas investors and the local community alike have full confidence in Hong Kong. These facts speak volumes for our core values, which are continuing to work," the spokesman said.

He believed that Hong Kong's core values could be maintained and realised only through the joint efforts of the Government and the community at large.

Ends/Monday, June 7, 2004

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