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Following is the transcript (English portion) of a media session by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, on the election of the new Chief Executive this afternoon (March 31) at the ground floor lobby of West Wing, Central Government Offices:  

Reporter: I'm talking about interpretation of the Basic Law.  Do you think this is the time that the government has no alternative but to seek an interpretation?

Chief Secretary for Administration: What I'm trying to do is meet with all the Legislative Councillors together with Ms Elsie Leung and Mr Stephen Lam to explore all practical options which will ensure that the election of the new Chief Executive on July 10 will take place smoothly. If there are any possibilities which will avoid interpretation of the Basic law I would like very much to listen to them.

Reporter: How would you evaluate the situation of the moment?  Do you think it is time to actively seek an interpretation?

Chief Secretary for Administration: What I think what is important is to listen to members views and the public's views.

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

Ends/Thursday, March 31, 2005

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