*********************************************************

Following is the translation of the remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, to the media this afternoon (December 28) about the disaster triggered by the earthquake in Indonesia:

We are extremely concerned about the disaster triggered by the earthquake in Indonesia. We are saddened by the loss of lives and send our condolences to the victims' families.

We are also seriously concerned about the Hong Kong citizens injured or stranded in the areas hit by the disaster. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will do everything possible to offer assistance and arrange for them to return home as soon as possible. I know that there are three passenger flights flying here from Phuket today. If necessary, the Government will arrange chartered flights to bring home our Hong Kong citizens.

Our country and its embassies and consulates in the affected areas attach great importance to helping those affected by this disaster. They have promptly gathered information about the situation and worked tirelessly to help all Chinese citizens, including Hong Kong citizens, in need of assistance. The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR has been liaising closely with the HKSAR Government. We appreciate this support.

We share in the world's sorrow over the injured and the dead, and we will make every effort to provide assistance, in particular relief supplies, to the disaster-hit areas. The HKSAR Government will endeavour to help Hong Kong citizens who have been affected. I have appointed the Chief Secretary for Administration to co-ordinate this work. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, December 28, 2004

NNNN

News clip (Real Media/Windows Media)