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Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media stand-up given by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, in replying media enquiries on the West Kowloon Cultural District this (December 23) afternoon:

Reporter: Mr Tsang, what do you think about James Tien's criticism against you on handling the West Kowloon Cultural District?

Chief Secretary: What I have just explained that we have in consulting the Legislative Council throughout the processing of the West Kowloon Project over the past six years. In every critical stage, we also obtained the approval of the Chief Executive in Council. For instance, during the initial preliminary vetting process, in which we eliminated two of the proponents, that decision was taken after we have sought the approval of the Chief Executive in Council. And we will continue to do that. If we are going to enter into any provisional agreement with any proponents, before we do that, we will certainly consult the Legislative Council, we certainly will not be able to proceed without the specific approval of the Executive Council. Thank you.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion.)

Ends/Thursday, December 23, 2004

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