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The Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, today (December 30) expressed his full support to the contingent of government officers leaving for Phuket to expedite the search for Hong Kong citizens and to provide assistance to those stranded in areas affected by the tsunamis.

On behalf of the Chief Executive and Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Lee thanked the officers for their dedication to serving the Hong Kong community.

"As the Chief Executive has said, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will do everything possible to offer assistance to affected Hong Kong citizens and to arrange for them to return home as early as possible," Mr Lee said.

"I firmly believe that all of you will accomplish this most important task with professionalism," Mr Lee told team members before their departure from Hong Kong Airport.

Those leaving for Phuket this morning included officers from Immigration Department, Police, Civil Aid Service, Auxiliary Medical Service and Department of Health.

Ends/Thursday, December 30, 2004

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