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

Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on the resignation of the Chief Executive at the lobby of Government Secretariat (West Wing) this evening (March 10):

    Mr Tung has just announced his resignation.  As you know, his resignation is still subject to the approval of the Central People's Government.  Until then, he is still my superior and our Chief Executive and the Administration continues to function normally.  Throughout his service as Chief Executive, Mr Tung has dedicated himself wholly, selflessly to the job of governing Hong Kong, with enormous sense of duty and humility.  I admire his commitment and I admire his achievement.  Having worked with him for over seven years, if his resignation is approved, I certainly feel a sense of loss.  But I know that I must respect his decision and I hope very much the whole Hong Kong community will do the same.

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

Ends/Thursday, March 10, 2005

NNNN

News clip (Real Media/Windows Media)