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

    Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session by the Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung, on the resignation of the Chief Executive at the Queensway Government Offices this evening (March 10):

    Mr Tung has tendered his resignation. I respect his wishes. He is really very tired. I've been working with Mr Tung for the past eight years, including the several months when we were with the preparatory government. At least I have learned from him: his attitude in life; his selfless dedication to Hong Kong and the magnanimity in which he deals with people. These are our good examples. When one marches at the forefront of history, one has to meet all the challenges, all the impacts, and it is always the most difficult thing. However, if you compare Hong Kong at the worst of times a couple of years ago and the Hong Kong today, I am quite sure that, just as my colleagues said, history will give Mr Tung a proper assessment, and the citizens of Hong Kong will give Mr Tung a proper assessment.

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)

Ends/Thursday, March 10, 2005

NNNN